LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 23, 2013

TO:	Honorable Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Chair, House Committee on Urban Affairs
FROM:	Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2971 by Alonzo (Relating to the regulation of firefighters and fire departments by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Government Code to add "wildland fire fighters" to the definition of "fire protection personnel."  The bill would also authorize the Texas Commission on Fire Protection to adopt and implement rules relating to fire safety inspections.  It is assumed the costs associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be absorbed within current resources.  The bill would take effect immediately upon a two-thirds vote of both chambers; otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2013. 

Local Government Impact

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection has noted the bill's fiscal impact on units of local government would depend on the number of local wildland firefighters who would need the certification required by the bill, which is currently unknown.  The agency has noted over 1,000 individuals have already attained wildland firefighting certification since the certification was first offered by the agency in September, 2012. 

Source Agencies:

411 Commission on Fire Protection

LBB Staff:

UP, KKR, AI, JAW