LFB Fiscal Notes

Central Nonpartisan Legislative Agencies: 76-1

FISCAL NOTES

Fiscal notes outline the monetary effects of pending legislation. Each note may provide information allowing legislative debate of issues such as the cost of new or changed programs, the potential burden on special groups, the allocation of resources and state revenue enhancement or reduction levels. Depending on the legislation, one fiscal note is written for each bill with significant fiscal effect. Separate fiscal notes can be written for bills and amendments. Fiscal notes may be revised as the content of legislation changes the fiscal effect. A completed note includes a brief explanation of the bill, its monetary effect and a short outline of any additional information about the bill's effects beyond its fiscal impact.

Fiscal notes are required by Joint Rule 17 for all legislation having a fiscal effect of $100,000 in a fiscal year or $500,000 in a five-year period. The need for a fiscal note is often perceived during the drafting of legislation by the Legislative Service Bureau. At that time, the LSB informs the LFB of the need for a fiscal note, which initiates the data collection and note writing process. Fiscal notes are filed only when legislation is introduced and must be attached prior to the bill's placement on the debate calendar. When filed, fiscal notes appear in the chamber's clipsheets.

Occasionally, legislation does not fall within the guidelines set for fiscal notes. While the LSB identifies the majority of bills which require fiscal notes, sometimes bills which should receive fiscal notes are overlooked. The LFB recommends that legislators request fiscal notes whenever they perceive a need for one.

Any legislator may request a fiscal note. Fiscal Note Request Forms are available at the rear of both chambers.

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Last update: 1995
URL: /DOCS/GA/76GA/LSB/LegHandbook/NonLegAgencies/LFBFiscal.html
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