LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 10, 2007

TO:
Honorable Patrick M. Rose, Chair, House Committee on Human Services
 
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB96 by Martinez, "Mando" (Relating to the transportation of certain mental health patients.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB96, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted: a negative impact of ($613,510) through the biennium ending August 31, 2009.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.



Fiscal Year Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2008 ($306,755)
2009 ($306,755)
2010 ($306,755)
2011 ($306,755)
2012 ($306,755)




Fiscal Year Probable (Cost) from
GENERAL REVENUE FUND
1
2008 ($306,755)
2009 ($306,755)
2010 ($306,755)
2011 ($306,755)
2012 ($306,755)

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would require the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to provide reimbursement for transportation of certain mental health patients by special officers for mental health assignment, sheriffs, and constables. It is assumed the bill would apply to Hidalgo county.

Methodology

According to DSHS, there were 904 admissions to state mental health facilities from Hidalgo county in 2006. Of the total admissions, DSHS estimates that 895 were involuntary admissions who would be provided transportation under the bill. DSHS estimates a cost of $306,755 in General Revenue per fiscal year for transportation for 895 individuals.

This estimate assumes DSHS would provide reimbursement for all transportation for involuntary admissions from the impacted county. Under the bill, DSHS would not be required to provide reimbursement for transportation provided by a relative or other responsible person, a facility administrator, or a representative of a local mental health authority. Transportation provided by these individuals is prioritized before transportation provided by special officers for mental health assignment, sheriffs, or constables. DSHS does not track who transports patients to state mental health facilities.


Local Government Impact

Because the bill would not have statewide impact on units of local government of the same type or class, no comment from this office is required by the rules of the House as to its probable fiscal implication on units of local government.


Source Agencies:
537 State Health Services, Department of
LBB Staff:
JOB, CL, PP, SSt, KJG