LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 16, 2009

TO:	Honorable Craig Estes, Chair, Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Affairs
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB1901 by Hinojosa (Relating to the safety of the fresh fruit and vegetables produced in this state.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would name the Department of Agriculture (TDA) as the lead agency in the coordination of food safety and require the agency to assist the fresh fruit and vegetable industries with food safety issues.  The bill would also require TDA to coordinate, plan, and approve training and awareness programs for producers and packers of fresh fruits and vegetables.

TDA estimates that implementing the provisions of this bill will require 1.0 FTE and additional costs totaling $87,524 in fiscal year 2010 and $79,524 in fiscal year 2011. Based on the LBB's analysis, implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing agency 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:

551 Department of Agriculture, 537 State Health Services, Department of

LBB Staff:

JOB, SD, AH