Honorable Drew Darby, Chair, House Committee on Energy Resources
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB48 by Darby (relating to the creation of an organized oilfield theft prevention unit within the Department of Public Safety.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB48, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted: a negative impact of ($2,331,866) through the biennium ending August 31, 2027.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.
General Revenue-Related Funds, Five- Year Impact:
Fiscal Year
Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2026
($1,542,971)
2027
($788,895)
2028
($788,895)
2029
($788,895)
2030
($788,895)
All Funds, Five-Year Impact:
Fiscal Year
Probable Savings/(Cost) from General Revenue Fund 1
Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2025
2026
($1,542,971)
4.0
2027
($788,895)
4.0
2028
($788,895)
4.0
2029
($788,895)
4.0
2030
($788,895)
4.0
Fiscal Analysis
The bill would direct the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to establish an organized oilfield theft prevention unit. The bill would also direct DPS to develop training and resources for local law enforcement and submit a biennial report related to organized oilfield theft.
Methodology
According to DPS, the duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could not be absorbed within existing resources. DPS states that 2.0 special agents and 1.0 lieutenant would be needed to comply with the provisions of the bill. Additionally, DPS also states the agency would need 1.0 administrative assistant IV to provide administrative support to the new unit. The fiscal impact would be $1,542,971 in fiscal year 2026 and $788,895 in fiscal year 2027, including salary, benefits, and other operating expenses.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 405 Department of Public Safety, 455 Railroad Commission