LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 29, 2009

TO:
Honorable Rob Eissler, Chair, House Committee on Public Education
 
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
SB100 by Lucio (Relating to professional development institutes for public school teachers and paraprofessionals regarding education of students with disabilities.), As Engrossed



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB100, As Engrossed: a negative impact of ($7,125,495) through the biennium ending August 31, 2011.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

The bill would establish professional development institutes for public school teachers and paraprofessionals regarding students with disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders.



Fiscal Year Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2010 ($3,689,491)
2011 ($3,436,004)
2012 ($3,436,004)
2013 ($3,436,004)
2014 ($3,436,004)




Fiscal Year Probable (Cost) from
General Revenue Fund
1
Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2009
2010 ($3,689,491) 1.0
2011 ($3,436,004) 1.0
2012 ($3,436,004) 1.0
2013 ($3,436,004) 1.0
2014 ($3,436,004) 1.0

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would amend Subchapter J, Chapter 21, Education Code, by adding Sec. 21.461 to require the commissioner of education to establish professional development institutes for teachers and paraprofessionals relating to research-based instructional services for student with disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders.

The bill would require the commissioner to adopt criteria for teachers and paraprofessionals authorized to attend these professional development institutes, but participation by school districts would be on a voluntary basis. Professional development would include instructional techniques proven by scientifically-based research to be effective in teaching curriculum to students with disabilities. Priority would be given to teachers and paraprofessionals working with students with autism spectrum disorders. A stipend would be paid to each teacher or paraprofessional completing the professional development program.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2009.


Methodology

The Texas Education Agency analysis assumes an estimated $250,000 one-time cost in fiscal year 2010 to develop training for use in the professional development institutes. Once the training is developed, it is assumed the agency could contract with regional educational service centers to conduct the program.

Priority would be given to teachers who instruct students with autism spectrum disorders. The agency estimates approximately 13,500 teachers at $250 per teacher would participate in professional development institutes each year, at an annual cost of $3,375,000. Assumptions include one additional full-time-equivalent position, with related salary, benefit and other costs, to provide oversight of participation, distribute stipend payments, and coordinate ongoing updates for the institutes.


Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
701 Central Education Agency
LBB Staff:
JOB, JSp, JGM, JW