Texas House Bill HB3030

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a fiscal note statement regarding increased costs to counties and municipalities.

Impact

The enactment of HB 3030 is expected to have a considerable impact on how fiscal notes are prepared and presented within the legislative process. By mandating a clear statement about potential cost increases, the bill seeks to ensure that lawmakers and the public are aware of the financial burdens that new legislation may impose on local governments. Such awareness is imperative for informed decision-making and could lead to more cautious legislative practices, particularly concerning bills with significant financial implications.

Summary

House Bill 3030 is designed to amend the Government Code in Texas by introducing specific requirements for fiscal notes associated with legislation that may impact the costs borne by counties and municipalities. This bill requires the board to include a statement in each fiscal note that specifies whether the proposed legislation could result in increased costs for local governments. This significant provision aims to improve transparency regarding the financial implications of legislative actions on local governmental entities, which are crucial stakeholders in implementing state laws.

Contention

While the intent behind HB 3030 is to enhance fiscal awareness, there could be contention regarding how these mandated statements will influence the legislative process. Some legislators may argue that the requirement could slow down the legislative process or detur the passage of bills that might inadvertently incur additional costs for local entities. Moreover, there is the potential for debate about the accuracy and comprehensiveness of these fiscal note statements, especially in cases where the financial impact of legislation is complex or difficult to quantify.