Bill Caption

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB1734, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($9,800,000) through the biennium ending August 31, 2017. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Fiscal Analysis The bill would amend the Agriculture Code to require the Soil and Water Conservation Board (SWCB) to develop and implement a program to eradicate Carrizo cane along the Rio Grande River. The bill would take effect immediately if it were to receive a two-thirds majority vote in each house of the Legislature. Otherwise, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2015. Methodology This analysis reflects costs of $4,900,000 each fiscal year in General Revenue to implement the provisions of the bill based on funding proposals considered by both the Senate Finance Committee and House Appropriations Committee during deliberations on Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 1 as Introduced respectively. This analysis assumes a cost of approximately $4,700,000 million each fiscal year in grants issued by the SWCB to eradicate Carrizo cane along the Rio Grande River. Based on information provided by SWCB, 2.0 FTE positions would be necessary to implement the provisions of the bill. This analysis assumes salaries and wages for each FTE position of $60,000 in General Revenue, benefits for each FTE totaling $38,856 in General Revenue,and support expenses for each FTE position totaling $40,000 in General Revenue each fiscal year (total costs of $198,856 each year). 

Bill Analysis

SB 1734, if passed, would modify the Agriculture Code (Section 1, Subchapter B, Chapter 201) by adding a new section (201.0225). This section would require that the state board develop and implement a program to eradicate Carrizo Cane along the Rio Grande River. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

5/19/15 update:

No amendments or modifications have been made to the bill since we reported on it.

First chamber analysis:

The management of natural resources in general, and attempted abatement and eradication of nonnative invasive species in particular, is a legitimate and fundamental responsibility of the state. Given the significant hindrances caused by Carrizo cane, the policy proposed by SB 1734 is a logical extension of this responsibility. For this reason we support SB 1734.