LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
FISCAL NOTE
74th Regular Session
May 5, 1995
TO: Honorable Judith Zaffirini, Chair IN RE: Senate Bill No.
Committee on Health & Human Services 1656,
Senate as amended
Austin, Texas By: Nixon, Drew
FROM: John Keel, Director
In response to your request for a Fiscal Note on Senate Bill No.
1656 (Relating to AFDC benefits for persons convicted of certain
offenses.) this office has determined the following:
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal
basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions
of the bill.
The bill amends Subchapter A, Chapter 31, Human Resources Code,
by adding Section 31.015.
The bill requires the Department of Human Services to amend the
eligibility criteria for AFDC benefits. Persons with two or
more convictions under the Controlled Substance Act or a felony
conviction within the past five years of application, or while
receiving benefits, will not be eligible to receive or to
continue receiving financial assistance.
The department is also required to provide a hearing or other
proceeding to ensure that the individual receives due process.
In addition, the department is authorized to obtain from the
Department of Public Safety criminal history information
regarding convictions only.
This bill would require an 1115 Waiver which requires an
independent evaluation to determine cost neutrality. The cost of
the evaluation is estimated to be $50,000 per year. The bill
would also require automation changes to the SAVERR and Generic
Worksheet system. The cost of the automation changes is
estimated to be $60,000 for FY 1996. In addition, the bill
requires that the application form be modified, however the
department is absorbing this cost.
The probable fiscal implication of implementing the provisions of
the bill during each of the first five years following passage
is estimated as follows:
Fiscal Probable Cost Out Probable Cost Out Change in
Year of General of Federal Funds Number of State
Revenue Fund 001 555 Employees from
FY 1995
1996 $55,000 $55,000 .0
1997 25,000 25,000 .0
1998 25,000 25,000 .0
1999 25,000 25,000 .0
2000 25,000 25,000 .0
Similar annual fiscal implications would continue as long as the
provisions of the bill are in effect.
No fiscal implication to units of local government is
anticipated.
Source: Department of Human Services
LBB Staff: JK, MU, DF