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
  
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*  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.                                                             *
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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