LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 19, 2003

TO:	Honorable Ray Allen, Chair, House Committee on Corrections
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB1678 by Whitmire (Relating to the organization and duties of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Government Code by changing the composition of the Board of Pardons and Paroles from eighteen members to seven members.  The bill would also clarify the responsibilities and administrative duties of the presiding officer of the board.  Responsibilities for the board relating to decision-making processes used by the board and training programs required for new board members are also specified in the bill.  The bill would also require the Board of Pardons and Paroles to meet as a body or by telephone conference call, as permitted by Government Code, when reviewing clemency matters in capital cases.  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, GG