Honorable Senfronia Thompson, Chair, House Committee on Public Health
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2815 by Klick (Relating to the licensing and regulation of genetic counselors requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.), As Introduced
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB2815, As Introduced: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2021.
Fiscal Year
Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2020
($36)
2021
$36
2022
$1,354
2023
$1,354
2024
$1,354
Fiscal Year
Probable (Cost) from General Revenue Fund 1
Probable Revenue Gain from General Revenue Fund 1
Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2019
2020
($34,456)
$34,420
0.5
2021
($33,646)
$33,682
0.5
2022
($33,646)
$35,000
0.5
2023
($33,646)
$35,000
0.5
2024
($33,646)
$35,000
0.5
Fiscal Analysis
The bill would amend the Occupations Code relating to the licensing and regulation of genetic counselors requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee. The bill would authorize the Commission of Licensing and Regulation (Commission) and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to regulate the occupational license for genetic counselors and enforce the Licensed Genetic Counselor Act.
The bill would take effect on September 1, 2019, except for certain sections which would take effect on July 1, 2020.
Methodology
According to information provided by TDLR, the agency would need to hire a Program Specialist III as a 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) position to perform the tasks required by the new chapter, including rule-making, development and administration of the examination and continuing education requirements, and to be the agency's expert on the genetic counseling program. This 0.5 FTE would cost an estimated $34,456 in the first year for salary, benefits, and a one-time expense for a computer and related equipment, then $33,646 in subsequent years.
TDLR reports that all other duties required for the licensing and regulation of the profession can be accomplished within existing resources.
TDLR estimates the fee for a new license will be $320 and $305 for a renewal license. Revenue for the program is expected to be $34,420 in fiscal year 2020, $33,682 in fiscal year 2021, and approximately $35,000 each fiscal year after.
This analysis assumes that any increased cost to TDLR, which is statutorily required to generate sufficient revenue to cover its costs of operation, would be offset by an increase in fee-generated revenue.
Technology
This analysis estimates a total one-time technology cost of $1,410 in fiscal year 2020 for computers required to implement the provisions of the bill.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 452 Department of Licensing and Regulation