LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 3, 2007

TO:	Honorable Jerry Madden, Chair, House Committee on Corrections
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB914 by Madden (Relating to the establishment of an office of inspector general at the Texas Youth Commission.), As Introduced

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB914, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($526,210) 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.

General Revenue-Related Funds, Five-Year Impact:

Fiscal Year	Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2008	($265,265)
2009	($260,945)
2010	($261,425)
2011	($261,905)
2012	($262,385)

All Funds, Five-Year Impact:

Fiscal Year	Probable Revenue Gain/(Loss) from GENERAL REVENUE FUND 1
2008	($265,265)
2009	($260,945)
2010	($261,425)
2011	($261,905)
2012	($262,385)

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would amend Article 2.12 of the Code of Criminal Procedure adding inspectors general to the Youth Commission (TYC) as peace officers. The agency does not currently have authority to hire Schedule C employees, so peace officers would not be paid at Schedule C rates unless TYC is added to the list of eligible agencies in Article IX of the General Appropriations Bill, As Introduced. The bill would amend Section 61.0451 of the Human Resources Code to establish an office of inspector general for the purpose of investigating fraud committed by TYC employees, including contract parole officers and crimes committed in TYC facilities or contract programs. The office of inspector general would be able to employ commissioned peace officers as inspectors general with all the powers and duties given to peace officers in this state. The inspectors general would report directly to the TYC Board, who shall appoint a commissioned peace officer as chief inspector general. 

Methodology

TYC reports it will need 4.0 FTEs in each year of the biennium to implement the provisions of the bill at a cost of $340,280 in salaries for the biennium and $170,140 each year thereafter. Additional costs (travel, equipment, benefits and operating expenses) total $185,930 for the biennium and average $92,005 in each year thereafter.  

Technology

TYC Technology impact for fiscal year 2008 is estimated at $5,232 and includes computer workstations and infrastructure for the 4 FTEs. The ongoing technology cost is estimated at $432 per year.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

694 Youth Commission

LBB Staff:

JOB, ES, GG, AI