LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

February 14, 2005

TO:	Honorable Carlos Uresti, Chair, House Committee on Government Reform
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB630 by Villarreal (Relating to the provision of federal earned income tax credit materials to certain health and human services and Texas Workforce Commission clients.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

House Bill 630 would amend Texas Government Code, subchapter F, Chapter 531 by adding section 531.193. This new section requires contracts between the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and its contractors to include a requirement that the contractor provide clients the information and materials needed to file for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This new service would be provided by all HHSC contractors that are involved in the implementation of the Integrated Eligibility Plan and that have direct contact (in person, by telephone or other medium) with clients to determine eligibility for health and human services or Texas Workforce Commission services.  Contractors must provide this information to clients annually in January.  Contracts renewed or enacted after the effective date of the bill would be affected.

HHSC estimates no significant fiscal impact to the agency.

The bill would take effect on September 1, 2005.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

320 Texas Workforce Commission, 529 Health and Human Services Commission

LBB Staff:

JOB, LB, PP, MB