Honorable Tom Craddick, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives
FROM:
John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1670 by Allen (Relating to medically recommended intensive supervision of certain inmates of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and to the release pending deportation of certain inmates of the department.), As Passed 2nd House
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code by designating a parole panel composed of the presiding officer of the Board of Pardons and Paroles and two members appointed to the panel by the presiding officer to make determinations regarding the release of an inmate on medically recommended intensive supervision. The bill would also specify eligibility conditions for medically recommended intensive supervision, including inmates with certain instant offenses that may only be considered if a medical condition of terminal illness or long-term care has been diagnosed. The bill would also specify the conditions for which inmates who are not citizens of the United States may be released to immigration authorities pending deportation. According to the Texas Council on Offenders with Mental Impairments (TCOMI), in fiscal year 2002, 518 inmates were referred to parole panels for release to medically recommended intensive supervision. Of the inmates referred in fiscal year 2002 to parole panels, 97 were approved. Future savings to the State from the bill would depend on the reduction in the inmate population from the provisions of the bill. It is assumed that implementation of the bill would not have a significant impact on the costs of state government.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.