LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 27, 2009

TO:	Honorable David Dewhurst, Lieutenant Governor, Senate
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB2169 by Ellis (Relating to the establishment of a smart growth policy work group and the development of a smart growth policy for this state.), As Passed 2nd House

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Government Code to create a Smart Growth Policy work group from representatives of several state agencies. The work group would collaborate and develop a comprehensive smart growth plan for the state that addresses the state's projected population growth. The work group would also coordinate its efforts with various state, local, and federal entities.

The group will be presided over by representatives from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Each odd numbered year the group is required to submit a progress report to the legislature.

It is assumed that the formation of the work group would have no significant fiscal impact since only staff time and resources inherent in the role of presiding and participating are necessary to fulfill the functions of the workgroup. Future smart growth plans and policies may potentially have a fiscal impact; however, these additional costs are unknown. Chapter 2060 created by the bill would expire August 31, 2013.

Local Government Impact

Local governments may benefit from policies developed by the smart growth policy work group, but any benefits will depend on what future policies recommend and the operating environment of each local government.

Source Agencies:

537 State Health Services, Department of, 582 Commission on Environmental Quality, 601 Department of Transportation

LBB Staff:

JOB, TP, KK, SD, PJK