SB 0850 - Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note - SB 0850 - Requires software on public library computers that blocks access to pornography over the Internet

COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH

OVERSIGHT DIVISION

FISCAL NOTE

L.R. NO. 3525-01

BILL NO. SB 850

SUBJECT: Libraries

TYPE: Original

DATE: February 10, 1998

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FISCAL SUMMARY

ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON STATE FUNDS
FUND AFFECTED	FY 1999	FY 2000	FY 2001
General Revenue	($45,813)	($16,037)	($17,617)
Total Estimated Net Effect on All State Funds	($45,813)	($16,037)	($17,617)

ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON FEDERAL FUNDS
FUND AFFECTED	FY 1999	FY 2000	FY 2001
None
Total Estimated Net Effect on All Federal Funds	$0	$0	$0

ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON LOCAL FUNDS
FUND AFFECTED	FY 1999	FY 2000	FY 2001
Local Government	$0	$0	$0

Numbers within parentheses: ( ) indicate costs or losses

This fiscal note contains 4 pages.

FISCAL ANALYSIS

ASSUMPTION

The Office of Administration (OA), Division of Data Processing and Telecommunications states that this proposal authorizes them to reimburse public libraries for the cost of software to filter out pornographic materials on the Internet. OA assumes this proposal would include all 144 public libraries in the state, and not just state funded libraries. Currently, there are approximately 733 library computers with Internet access, and that number is expected to increase 15% in FY00 and FY01. OA assumes costs of $50 per computer for filtering type software, and on-going maintenance of 25% of the original acquisition price ($12.50) per copy, for total costs of $45,813 in FY99, $16,037 in FY00, and $17,167 in FY01. OA further assumes public library staff, with the assistance of MORENET, would be able to load and maintain this software, and no additional staff would be needed.

Officials of the Secretary of State's Office (SOS) states that the Missouri State Library is to furnish information and counsel as to the best means of establishing and maintaining libraries, selection of materials, cataloging, and other details of library management. To accomplish this, the State Library employs staff within the Library Development Division. Library Development staff provide assistance through one on one consultation and training sessions. SOS assumes that questions from public library directors, trustees, and those maintaining the software on library computers will require the services of .5 FTE. This staff member, a Library Consultant ($15,810), would assist public libraries in evaluating filtering software, maintaining the software on library computers, and addressing the community concerning the software.

SOS further assumes that in addition to reimbursement for direct expenses related to Internet filtering software, public libraries may seek reimbursement for personnel costs related to installation, maintenance, and monitoring of this software. SOS also notes that the state of Missouri may be named as a party to lawsuits objecting to the use of filtering software in public libraries.

Oversight assumes that OA would create a statewide type of contract for the purchase of this software, and that existing public library staff could install and maintain it. Oversight further assumes that existing SOS staff could be used to perform additional duties due to this proposal.

The Office of State Courts Administrator assumes there may be one or more cases testing the parameters of the legislation; however, the fiscal impact on the courts would be minimal.

FISCAL IMPACT - State Government	FY 1999	FY 2000	FY 2001
	(10 Mo.)
GENERAL REVENUE
Costs - Office of Administration
Reimbursement to public libraries for
acquisition and maintenance of software	($45,813)	($16,037)	($17,617)
ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON
GENERAL REVENUE	($45,813)	($16,037)	($17,617)
FISCAL IMPACT - Local Government	FY 1999	FY 2000	FY 2001
	(10 Mo.)
	$0	$0	$0

FISCAL IMPACT - Small Business

No direct fiscal impact to small businesses would be expected as a result of this proposal.

DESCRIPTION

This proposal requires all public libraries in Missouri to acquire, install, and maintain software on personal computers that prohibits access to pornography on the Internet. Library purchases of such software will be reimbursed by the Office of Administration. This proposal also allows libraries to temporarily disable such software if it inadvertently blocks access to non-pornographic material.

This legislation is not federally mandated, would not duplicate any other program and would not require additional capital improvements or rental space.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Office of Administration

Secretary of State

Office of State Courts Administrator

Jeanne Jarrett, CPA

Director

February 10, 1998