LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 25, 2009

TO:	Honorable Craig Estes, Chair, Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Affairs
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB344 by Nelson (Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee to study the acceptance at farmers markets of food stamps and benefits under the women, infants, and children supplemental food program. ), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would create an advisory committee to determine the costs, benefits, and feasibility of providing food stamp and Women, Infants, and Children (W.I.C.) program participants with the ability to use program benefits at farmers markets to purchase fresh produce.

The Department of Agriculture and the Health and Human Services Commission indicates that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed within each agency's existing resources.

The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to each house; otherwise it would take effect September 1, 2009. 

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

529 Health and Human Services Commission, 551 Department of Agriculture

LBB Staff:

JOB, WK, AH