LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION February 26, 2009 TO: Honorable Mark Strama, Chair, House Committee on Technology, Economic Development & Workforce FROM: John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE:HB185 by Alonzo (Relating to providing Internet access in certain local public libraries.), As Introduced No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The bill would amend the Government Code to require that accreditation standards for public libraries adopted by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission include that a public library with a service area of over 50,000 residents shall provide computers with high-speed Internet access for public use. Accreditation standards adopted by the Commission determine eligibility for membership in a major resource system or regional library system. Local Government Impact According to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, of the 78 public libraries expected to have a service population exceeding 50,000 over the next five years, approximately 5 percent (4 libraries) do not currently have a high-speed Internet connection. The agency reports that the reasons a public library does not have a high-speed Internet connection vary by locality; the cost of upgrading to a high-speed connection, and sustaining the monthly fees, would therefore vary by location. The monthly charges for a high-speed connection vary by circumstance and location, but may range from approximately $400 - $2,000/month, per location. In addition, if applicable, there may be installation charges to bring a high-speed connection to a library building; these amounts cannot be approximated, but could be sizable. Source Agencies:306 Library & Archives Commission LBB Staff: JOB, JRO, MS, LCO, DB
LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
February 26, 2009
TO: Honorable Mark Strama, Chair, House Committee on Technology, Economic Development & Workforce FROM: John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE:HB185 by Alonzo (Relating to providing Internet access in certain local public libraries.), As Introduced
TO: Honorable Mark Strama, Chair, House Committee on Technology, Economic Development & Workforce
FROM: John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE: HB185 by Alonzo (Relating to providing Internet access in certain local public libraries.), As Introduced
Honorable Mark Strama, Chair, House Committee on Technology, Economic Development & Workforce
Honorable Mark Strama, Chair, House Committee on Technology, Economic Development & Workforce
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
HB185 by Alonzo (Relating to providing Internet access in certain local public libraries.), As Introduced
HB185 by Alonzo (Relating to providing Internet access in certain local public libraries.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code to require that accreditation standards for public libraries adopted by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission include that a public library with a service area of over 50,000 residents shall provide computers with high-speed Internet access for public use. Accreditation standards adopted by the Commission determine eligibility for membership in a major resource system or regional library system.
Local Government Impact
According to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, of the 78 public libraries expected to have a service population exceeding 50,000 over the next five years, approximately 5 percent (4 libraries) do not currently have a high-speed Internet connection. The agency reports that the reasons a public library does not have a high-speed Internet connection vary by locality; the cost of upgrading to a high-speed connection, and sustaining the monthly fees, would therefore vary by location. The monthly charges for a high-speed connection vary by circumstance and location, but may range from approximately $400 - $2,000/month, per location. In addition, if applicable, there may be installation charges to bring a high-speed connection to a library building; these amounts cannot be approximated, but could be sizable.
Source Agencies: 306 Library & Archives Commission
306 Library & Archives Commission
LBB Staff: JOB, JRO, MS, LCO, DB
JOB, JRO, MS, LCO, DB