LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 76th Regular Session May 4, 1999 TO: Honorable Elliott Naishtat, Chair, House Committee on Human Services FROM: John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE: SB374 by Zaffirini (Relating to the provision of certain long-term care services, to the continuation and functions of the Texas Department on Aging, and to the eventual consolidation of the Texas Department of Human Services and the Texas Department on Aging into a new agency on aging and disability services.), As Engrossed ************************************************************************** * No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. * * * * 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 transfer certain programs, funding, and employees from the Rehabilitation Commission and the Department of Health to the Department of Human Services (effective September 1, 1999). All transfers are assumed to have no net fiscal impact. The bill would create the Workgroup on Long-term Care Services (effective September 1, 1999) to study coordination of planning and services between the Department of Human Services and the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. The bill would permit workgroup members to receive reimbursement for travel and other expenses necessary for participation. It is assumed these costs could be absorbed within existing resources, provided the General Appropriations Act authorizes such expenditures. Note: The bill would change the name of the Department of Human Services to the Department of Aging and Disability Services, abolish the Department on Aging, and transfer all Department on Aging programs and employees to the Department of Aging and Disability Services (effective September 1, 2003). The bill would require the Department of Aging and Disability Services to appoint an advisory committee known as the Aging Policy Council. A member of the Board on Aging immediately before the bill takes effect could continue to serve as a member of the Aging Policy Council until the date on which the person's term as a member of the Board on Aging would have otherwise expired. All transfers are assumed to have no net fiscal impact. Local Government Impact The bill would require the Health and Human Services Commission and other state agencies to provide resources and assistance to communities to enable communities to develop comprehensive support services. It is assumed these responsibilities could be accomplished using existing resources. Source Agencies: 324 Department of Human Services LBB Staff: JK, TP, PP