LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 3, 2003

TO:	Honorable Ray Allen, Chair, House Committee on Corrections
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB28 by Hodge (Relating to rehabilitation programs for defendants housed in state jail felony facilities.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Government Code by requiring the state jail division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to develop rehabilitation programs for defendants housed in state jail facilities which would include: literacy, life skills, job skills, parent-training, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, support groups, and arts and crafts.  It is assumed that implementation of the bill would be achieved through the use of defendants who are capable of serving as tutors, and volunteer organizations.  The bill would also require the state jail division to adopt a memorandum of understanding that establishes their respective responsibilities to establish a continuity of care program with the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.  The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has determined that the cost of implementing the provisions of this bill would not be significant.   

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:	696 Department Of Criminal Justice
LBB Staff:	JK, WK, VDS, GG, KG