LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 14, 2013

TO:
Honorable Craig Estes, Chair, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Rural Affairs & Homeland Security
 
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
SB524 by Rodríguez (Relating to a study regarding the prohibition of dairy farming in certain areas of the state.), As Introduced



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB524, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($52,492) through the biennium ending August 31, 2015.

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
2014 ($52,492)
2015 $0
2016 $0
2017 $0
2018 $0




Fiscal Year Probable Savings/(Cost) from
General Revenue Fund
1
2014 ($52,492)
2015 $0
2016 $0
2017 $0
2018 $0

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would require the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to conduct a study regarding the current risk level of bovine tuberculosis. TAHC estimates that to implement provisions of the bill the agency would expend General Revenue in fiscal year 2014 to: (1) contract with a third party to conduct the bill's required economic impact statement; and (2) conduct tuberculosis testing in El Paso County.

The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in each house. Otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2013.

Methodology

According to the agency, they would contract with a third party to conduct the economic impact statement at an estimated cost of $25,000.  This estimate is based on $125 per hour rate paid by the agency for previous studies and assumes that the impact statement would require 200 hours to complete.

The estimated cost of testing for tuberculosis in El Paso County is  based on travel and temporary housing costs for existing staff that would go to El Paso to conduct the testing. Two FTEs (veterinarian and an inspector) would go to El Paso, and according to the agency complete the testing within six day intervals.  During this six day period, the agency would provide rental car, fuel, lodging and meal expenses per state guidelines along with any equipment required for the tuberculosis testing.  Total testing costs are estimated to be $27,492.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
537 State Health Services, Department of, 554 Animal Health Commission
LBB Staff:
UP, JP, SZ, ZS, CH