LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 82ND LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 13, 2011

TO:	Honorable Rodney Ellis, Chair, Senate Committee on Government Organization
FROM:	John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB456 by Ellis (Relating to state purchasing of certain environmentally friendly items.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

SB 456 would amend the Government Code to require that certain equipment purchases by state agencies meet or exceed federal Energy Star standards, including printers and photocopy machines. The bill would require the purchase of printers and photocopy machines with duplexing capability and require state agencies to set printer and photocopy default settings to double-sided printing. The Comptroller of Public Accounts would be required to collect data on the energy efficiency of appliances purchased by state agencies. The bill would also require, when feasible, the purchase of: (1) propane, natural gas, or electrically powered landscaping equipment; (2) zero or low volatile organic compound paint; and (3) carpet containing postconsumer recycled content.

While no significant fiscal impact was identified from implementation of the bill's provisions, agencies did report several examples of incremental cost increases to meet the intent of the bill. For example, the incremental cost difference between a gasoline powered landscaping lawnmower and a natural gas powered lawnmower is $1,600. Likewise, the incremental cost of a printer without duplexing capability and one with duplexing capability ranges from $400 to $700.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

303 Facilities Commission, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 313 Department of Information Resources, 405 Department of Public Safety, 601 Department of Transportation, 696 Department of Criminal Justice, 802 Parks and Wildlife Department

LBB Staff:

JOB, KM, JI, KY