TO:	Honorable Eddie Lucio Jr., Chair, Senate Committee on International Relations & Trade
FROM:	John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB965 by Uresti (Relating to the creation of the Bureau for Economic Development of the Border Region.), As Introduced

The bill creates the Bureau for Economic Development of the Border Region, which is a partnership for participating public and private entities administered by a public or private institution of higher education that is designated by the steering committee of the bureau and agrees to serve in that capacity.  The Bureau will facilitate research in fields of study affecting the border region.  In addition the Bureau will make recommendations/provide reports to the legislature and others for 1) the provision of economic and financial education for persons living in the border region; 2) economic development opportunities; 3) international trade; and, 4) infrastructure projects to assist counties in the region.  The bureau will also consult with the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office and provide evaluation for specific proposals as to the use of economic development fund. For purposes of this fiscal note it is assumed any costs associate with the bill will be absorbed by the institution that is chosen to administer the Bureau.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.