LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 82ND LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 4, 2011

TO:	Honorable Craig Estes, Chair, Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Affairs
FROM:	John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB824 by Lucio (Relating to the coordination of rural and small community initiatives.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Government Code related to the coordination of rural and small community initiatives. The bill would authorize the Governor to designate a state rural and small community coordinator to oversee the study, development, implementation, and evaluation of recommendations to improve coordination of state, federal, local, and non-profit programs in rural areas and small communities throughout the state. Upon designation of a rural and small community coordinator by the Governor, the following agencies would be required to designate a related liaison, filled by a current employee of the agency that holds at least the position of deputy executive director: Texas Department of Rural Affairs; Texas Water Development Board; Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs; Health and Human Services Commission; Parks and Wildlife Department; Texas Department of Transportation; Department of Public Safety; office of the secretary of state; Department of Agriculture; office of the comptroller; and the Texas Workforce Commission.

The bill creates the Texas Rural and Small Community Advisory Task Force comprised of representatives from local communities, state agencies, the business community, and non-profit organizations. The task force would be responsible for developing and updating the Texas Rural and Small Community Coordinated Plan containing both short-term and long-term recommendations for improved coordination of related activities. The plan would be updated at least every four years. The bill would require state agencies to report quarterly on actions taken to implement plan recommendations.

The bill would require the first coordinated plan to be submitted by September 1, 2012. The bill would take immediate effect upon receiving the required two-thirds vote of all members in each house; otherwise it would take effect September 1, 2011.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 307 Secretary of State, 320 Texas Workforce Commission, 332 Department of Housing and Community Affairs, 357 Texas Department of Rural Affairs, 405 Department of Public Safety, 529 Health and Human Services Commission, 551 Department of Agriculture, 580 Water Development Board, 582 Commission on Environmental Quality, 601 Department of Transportation, 802 Parks and Wildlife Department

LBB Staff:

JOB, SZ, JI, KY