LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 15, 2009

TO:	Honorable Craig Estes, Chair, Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Affairs
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2914 by McReynolds (Relating to the establishment of a fuel mitigation pilot grant program for fire departments.), As Engrossed

Up to $1.2 million of funds from the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Insurance Fund could be appropriated per year to implement the provisions of the bill.

The bill would authorize the Texas Forest Service to administer a pilot program to provide grants to fire departments to assist with the costs of fuel mitigation.  The Forest Service would be allowed to solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from private and public sources.  Funds from General Revenue Dedicated Account 5066, Rural Volunteer Fire Department Insurance Fund, could also be appropriated for this program. 

The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Insurance Fund is funded through a tax on firework sales and the Comptroller of Public Account's Biennial Revenue Estimate contains an estimated collection of approximately $1,200,000 each year during the 2010-11 biennium.  The Forest Service would be required to submit a report to the legislature on the effectiveness of the pilot program by December 1, 2010.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

576 Texas Forest Service

LBB Staff:

JOB, SD, RT, SK