LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 84TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
March 28, 2015

TO:
Honorable Charles Schwertner, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
 
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
SB1618 by Estes (Relating to certain nicotine products other than cigarettes or tobacco products, including the sale or marketing of nicotine products to minors, the possession or use of those nicotine products by minors, and to delivery sales of those nicotine products; creating an offense.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Chapter 161, Health and Safety Code to regulate nicotine products in a similar manner to cigarettes and tobacco products as they relate to distribution and delivery sales. The Department of State Health Services indicates any cost to implement provisions of the bill would be minimal and could be absorbed within available resources. The Comptroller of Public Accounts estimates there would be a cost associated with implementing provisions of the bill that would require it to update, print, and mail Texas Guidelines for Retail Tobacco Sales packets. The Comptroller of Public Accounts would be authorized to recoup costs associated with signage from distributors or wholesale dealers. It is anticipated that any remaining costs could be absorbed within existing resources.

Local Government Impact

The bill would create new misdemeanor offenses. Costs associated with enforcement, prosecution, and confinement could likely be absorbed with existing resources. Revenue from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.


Source Agencies:
304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 537 State Health Services, Department of
LBB Staff:
UP, NB, WP, ADe, VJC, KVe