LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE 75th Regular Session February 3, 1997 TO: Honorable Judith Zaffirini, Chair IN RE: Senate Bill No. 59 Committee on Health & Human Services By: Zaffirini Senate Austin, Texas FROM: John Keel, Director In response to your request for a Fiscal Note on SB59 ( Relating to time-limited benefits for certain AFDC recipients.) this office has detemined the following: Biennial Net Impact to General Revenue Funds by SB59-As Introduced 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 would amend the Human Resources Code section dealing with time limits for benefits to AFDC clients. The amendment provides that in determining the length of time for benefits, the department may consider the "in-depth" assessment of the individual's needs as an evaluation of the individual's functional educational level. In the event that the assessment indicates that the individual needs extensive employment preparation, the bill would require the department to set the time limits consistent with the time limits for benefits at a level immediately below the individual's actual self-reported educational level. The bill would allow the department to delay implementation of the bill if it is determined that a federal waiver or authorization is required in order to implement the provisions. Although a small number of clients could have their time limit for receiving benefits shortened with implementation of the amended provisions, no significant fiscal impact is anticipated. 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: Agencies: 320 Texas Workforce Commission 324 Department of Human Services LBB Staff: JK ,BB ,AZ