Electronic Fiscal Impact Statement System

On-Line Help: Document Template Instructions

This section contains guidelines for preparing the fiscal impact statement document template. Some items will be completed when assigned.

FIS Template

Item 1: Enter the bill number preceded by the appropriate abbreviation.

SB - Senate Bill
HB - House Bill

Below the bill number check the version of the bill for which the FIS is being prepared (e.g., in the appropriate house, Introduced, Engrossed, Substitute, or Enrolled).

If the FIS revises a previous FIS due to an error or new information, but the bill's status has not changed, type the word "Revision" at the top right.

When updating a FIS for a bill, which has changed status, be sure that the new FIS is internally consistent. For example, if expenditure and/or revenue data has changed (Items 6a and 6b below), the narrative in Item 8 that follows on the form should be revised accordingly.

Item 2: Enter the last name and the first initial of the bill's chief patron ONLY (e.g., Chichester, J.) If several patrons are listed on the bill, the first is the "Chief Patron."

Item 3: Enter the name of the committee to which the bill has been referred. When the bill changes houses, insert the new committee name on the updated FIS. When the bill is enrolled, insert "Passed Both Houses."

Item 4: Enter a brief catch-line that describes the bill (e.g., Marine Resource Commission Licenses, or Motor Vehicle Fees).

Item 5: Enter a description of the legislative changes proposed by the bill. Describe what the changes are and how the agency programs will be affected. Be careful using the summary prepared by the Division of Legislative Services in the Legislative Information System. The summary may overlook important impacts on the agency and its programs and may not be updated in a timely manner for amendments.

Item 6: Select the category which best describes the confidence level of the fiscal impact (revenue and/or expenditure) and delete the remaining categories. Only one of the following should remain in Item 6:

• NO FISCAL IMPACT
• FISCAL IMPACT ESTIMATES ARE NOT AVAILABLE
• FISCAL IMPACT ESTIMATES ARE PRELIMINARY
• FISCAL IMPACT ESTIMATES ARE FINAL

The categories are defined as follows:

No Fiscal Impact: There is no fiscal impact. If this category is checked, delete Items 6a and 6b of the impact statement.

Not Available: There is a fiscal impact, but:

• an exact figure cannot be obtained and terms like "minimum" or "insignificant," describe the extent of the impact; or
  
• an exact figure cannot be obtained without further, lengthy analysis, and terms like "major" or "significant" describe the extent of the impact.
  
• If the "Not Available" category is checked, no figures should be entered in Items 6a or 6b of the impact statement and insert "SEE ITEM 8" in Items 6a and/or 6b on the statement. Also, "NO" should be inserted in Item 7.
  

Preliminary: There is a fiscal impact and the figures shown are:

• based on reliable but inadequate data; or
• derived by using a previously validated methodology; or
• derived from an agency and an analysis on the accuracy is not complete.

If this category is checked, figures may be provided in Items 6a and/or 6b, as appropriate, and "SEE ITEM 8" must be inserted in Items 6a and/or 6b.

Final: There is a fiscal impact, the figures are based on line agency or DPB research and there is no likelihood that they will be changed. If this category is checked, figures may be provided in Items 6a and/or 6b, as appropriate, and "SEE ITEM 8" must be inserted in Items 6a and/or 6b.

NOTE: When the bill is enrolled, the only two acceptable choices are "NOT AVAILABLE" or "FINAL."

Items 6a and 6b:

Select either "None" or "See Item 8" based on the instructions for Item 6. Delete the word not selected.

Enter the dollar amounts for expenditure and revenue impacts as appropriate. Amounts reflecting reductions should be enclosed in parentheses, e.g., ($10,000).

Expenditure and revenue impact amounts should be provided only for the current and next fiscal years.  For the fund source use:

GF for General Fund, or the appropriate Nongeneral Fund: SF (Special), HEO (Higher Education Operating), FT (Federal Trust), etc..

Item 7: Select the appropriate answer. If "YES" is selected, the appropriation item number(s) must be included. Delete the choice not selected. If the bill is a companion to an amendment in the Governor's budget recommendations, identify the amendment and state it is already in HB 30.

Item 8: If the category "NO FISCAL IMPACT" has been entered in Item 6, enter "NONE." Otherwise, provide a narrative addressing all of the categories below that are applicable and delete the word "None."

Fiscal Implications -- Operating: Describe the expense items included in the expenditure amounts entered in Item 6a and explain how the amounts were derived. If revenue amounts have been included in Item 6b, explain how the amounts were derived. If expenditure or revenue amounts are known for future years (beyond the immediate three years), include them in this section along with an explanation on how they were derived. Discuss impacts on local funds in this section. In addition, provide an explanation of why the agency can or cannot absorb the costs associated with the measures of the bill.

STATE THE ASSUMPTIONS USED TO MAKE THE ESTIMATE.

Fiscal Implications -- Capital: Describe the impact on the agency's capital outlay requirements (e.g., a bill that increases the maximum prison population at Mecklenburg Correctional Center).

Item 9: If the bill does not affect any agency or political subdivision, enter "NONE." Otherwise, identify any agencies or localities directly affected by the bill. If the bill affects all agencies or all localities, indicate so in this section (e.g., all executive agencies, all cities, all local governments).

Agencies identified in this section should be those that would be expected to be asked to comment on the bill when it reaches the enrolled stage and awaits action by the Governor. The analyst preparing the FIS needs to notify any other appropriate agencies impacted by the legislation. The DPB budget analyst should be contacted for possible reassignment of the bill if more than one agency are affected.

Item 10: If the bill contains a typographical or other obvious error, enter the bill line number where the error is and indicate the change that should be made to correct the error. If no errors have been noted, enter "NO."

Item 11: In most cases "NONE" should be selected. However, if the analyst is aware of a companion bill, a study or other pertinent information that would aid the reviewer, it should be noted in this section.

The analyst should date and initial the FIS and indicate the Governor's Secretary(ies) who will receive the FIS. The analyst is responsible for emailing copies to any parties not on the EFIS distribution list.

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