NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.



Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.





F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T



SPONSOR: Lopez DATE TYPED: 02/14/00 HB
SHORT TITLE: Governmental Dispute Resolution Act SB 262/aSFC
ANALYST: Lockwood

APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY00 FY01 FY00 FY01
See Narrative

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION



LFC Files



SUMMARY



Synopsis of SFC Amendment



The amendment strikes the general fund appropriation.



Synopsis of Original Bill



Senate Bill 262 enacts the Governmental Resolution Act and authorizes agencies to resolve disputes through alternative dispute resolution. The bill includes a $60.0 general fund appropriation to the Department of Finance and Administration to provide assistance and training to agencies in FY2001.



An agency that chooses to use an alternative dispute resolution process shall develop an agreement with interested parties that:



SB262 includes provisions for agency heads to designate an employee as the administrative dispute resolution coordinator for the agency. The bill includes responsibilities for the coordinator including training for agency staff and distribution of the procedures to the agency staff and public. The bill specifies agencies may contract with another agency or a private entity for any of the services necessary to meet the objectives of the act.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



Senate Bill 262 appropriates $60.0 in general fund to the local government division of DFA for expenditure in FY2001 to assist agencies by training alternative dispute coordinators in agencies. Any unexpended or unencumbered balances remaining at the end of FY2001 shall revert to the general fund. Section 4 of the bill contains language regarding the use of operating budgets to achieve the objectives of the bill. Agencies reviewing the bill comment that the fiscal impact beyond the appropriation is indeterminate.



ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS



Agency comments are mixed between the possible need for additional resources, and the ability to proceed with existing resources.



AL/gm