148th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

FISCAL NOTE

Bill: HOUSE BILL NO. 120

sponsor: Representative Baumbach

DESCRIPTION: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE COMMISSION ON INDIAN HERITAGE AND CULTURE.

ASSUMPTIONS:

1. This legislation creates a Delaware Commission on Indian Heritage and Culture. The Commission will fall under the authority of the Secretary of State and is charged with studying, establishing, and promoting programs and events that will bring awareness to the Indian heritage and culture.

2. According to the Department of State, typical direct expenses of having such a commission are associated with acquiring business cards for members, covering in-state travel expenses, and meeting costs. Indirect costs include shared office space, supplies, equipment, and the potential for some contractual staff support for meetings and projects.

3. Using the Italian Heritage Commission which is a similarly positioned commission under the Department of State as a proxy, the Department of State estimates the aforementioned expenses not to exceed $1,000 for its first year start-up costs. The Department believes Commission expenses will increase to $2,500 in subsequent years once the Commission is fully established.

4. This estimate does not include any additional programmatic costs the Commission may choose to incur associated with project grants, promotions, and attendance at out-of-state conferences. For example, the Italian American Commission receives a $55,000 annual appropriation for out-of-state travel, promotion of cultural events, scholarships, and expenses related to summer language camps.

Cost:

Fiscal Year 2015 $0

Fiscal Year 2016 $1,000 GF

Fiscal Year 2017 $2,500 GF

Office of Controller General (Amounts are shown in whole dollars)

May 01, 2015

CAS:CAS

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