LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 23, 2009

TO:	Honorable Troy Fraser, Chair, Senate Committee on Business & Commerce
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB824 by Ellis (Relating to privacy of wireless telecommunications customer information; providing a civil penalty.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Chapter 64 of the Utilities Code to prohibit the sale or disclosure of wireless telephone customer information without the customer's consent, except where provided by other law, to a law enforcement agency, or in connection with the sale, transfer, purchase or migration of a commercial mobile service provider. The bill would require the Public Utility Commission to adopt rules to implement the provisions of the bill. The bill would authorize the Attorney General to collect a civil penalty of $5,000 for each customer whose information is included in a violation.

Based on the analysis of the Public Utility Commission and the Office of the Attorney General, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

302 Office of the Attorney General, 473 Public Utility Commission of Texas

LBB Staff:

JOB, JRO, ES