LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 82ND LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
March 29, 2011

TO:
Honorable Rob Eissler, Chair, House Committee on Public Education
 
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB1019 by Castro (Relating to distinct certificate classes for public elementary school counselors and public secondary school counselors.), As Introduced



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB1019, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($950,000) through the biennium ending August 31, 2013.

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



Fiscal Year Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2012 ($1,000,000)
2013 $50,000
2014 $50,000
2015 $50,000
2016 $50,000




Fiscal Year Probable Savings/(Cost) from
General Revenue Fund
1 		Probable Savings/(Cost) from
Certif & Assessment Fees
751
2012 ($1,000,000) $0
2013 $0 $50,000
2014 $0 $50,000
2015 $0 $50,000
2016 $0 $50,000

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would provide for distinct certificate classes for public elementary school counselors and public secondary school counselors. 


Methodology

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) states that costs would be incurred to amend its FY 2012 contract with the certification testing company to develop two new examinations, estimated to cost $500,000 per examination. The contract would cover the costs to realign, separate, and possibly supplement educator standards; conduct stakeholder meetings; develop test items; and set new passing standards.

According to the TEA, general revenue funds would be required for up-front development costs for the two new certifications. Based on Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) data, assuming a population of 12,000 counselors, if 20% renewed their certificates each year, the estimated renewal fees would be $48,000 for 2,400 counselors. Assuming 25 initial certificates would be issued annually, the estimated fees would be $1,875 annually based on a $75 fee. The total estimated annual fees included in the table above would be approximately $50,000.


Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


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