LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 8, 2005

TO:	Honorable Suzanna Gratia Hupp, Chair, House Committee on Human Services
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1377 by Jones, Jesse (Relating to the maintenance of area agencies on aging that provide services for the aging and persons with disabilities.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) indicates that implementation of the provisions of the bill could require a shifting of current resources that support access services.  In addition, DADS estimates that implementation could require the agency to repeal, develop, and/or modify waivers, rules, policies, procedures, and contracts.  Performance contracts with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) could require revisions to allow for additional responsibilities to serve as access points for all populations seeking long-term care supports.  Performance contracts with mental retardation authorities and functions of the local and regional services staff could require modification to exclude the access services they currently provide.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

The Department of Aging and Disability Services indicates that Mental Retardation Authorities would no longer provide access to services pursuant to provisions of the bill. AAAs would have the additional responsibility for providing access and assistance entry points for long-term care services provided through the DADS for the aging (other than just Older American’s Act) and persons with disabilities populations.

Source Agencies:

529 Health and Human Services Commission, 539 Department of Aging and Disability Services

LBB Staff:

JOB, CL, KF, ML