Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2899 by Simmons (Relating to the regulation of discrimination by political subdivisions.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Local Government Code to prohibit political subdivisions from enacting protections for classes of persons from discrimination beyond those classes recognized under state law. It nullifies any existing local orders, ordinances, or other measures that establish such protection.
According to the Office of the Attorney General, there would be no significant fiscal impact to the agency. Any legal work resulting from the passage of this bill could be reasonably absorbed with current resources.
Based on LBB analysis from information provided by higher education institutions and the Texas Education Agency, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment, assuming it received the requisite two thirds majority votes in both houses of the Legislature. Otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2017.
Local Government Impact
According to the Texas Association of School Business Officials, the bill would have a minimal local cost impact to school districts.
According to the Texas Municipal League, the fiscal impact of this bill cannot be determined; however, it could be significant. Numerous cities have adopted the types of ordinances that would be prohibited or nullified. These actions have been taken for the purposes of economic development, attracting major sporting events, and encouraging tourism.
Source Agencies:
302 Office of the Attorney General, 701 Texas Education Agency, 710 Texas A&M University System Administrative and General Offices, 719 Texas State Technical College System Administration, 720 The University of Texas System Administration, 758 Texas State University System, 783 University of Houston System Administration