LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
March 4, 2007

TO:
Honorable Jerry Madden, Chair, House Committee on Corrections
 
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB1814 by Macias (Relating to implementation of a comprehensive character education and training pilot program at certain Texas Youth Commission facilities.), As Introduced



Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB1814, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($179,812) 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 ($131,710)
2009 ($48,102)
2010 ($48,102)
2011 ($48,102)
2012 ($48,102)




Fiscal Year Probable Revenue Gain/(Loss) from
GENERAL REVENUE FUND
1
2008 ($131,710)
2009 ($48,102)
2010 ($48,102)
2011 ($48,102)
2012 ($48,102)

Fiscal Analysis

The bill would amend the Human Resources Code, Chapter 61, Subchapter C to establish a comprehensive character education and training pilot program at two Youth Commission (TYC)facilities (West Texas State School and the McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility, Unit I or II). The bill would require TYC to model the comprehensive character and education pilot program after the Character First! program or a similar program that emphasizes character education training. 

The bill directs TYC to conduct a cost savings study to compare costs at the facilities implementing the comprehensive character education and training pilot program to other TYC facilities. Factors to be considered in the cost savings study are lower recidivism rates, lower staff turnover rates, and less overall facility damage. TYC is to prepare and deliver to each Legislative member reports regarding interim results of the study not later than January 1, 2011, and January 1, 2013, with the final results of the study being delivered January 1, 2015. The bill would take effect September 1, 2007. 


Methodology

TYC has researched the Character First! program, which has been used in the petroleum industry and other corporate arenas. The program focuses on developing positive habits and reinforcing character in every day decisions through a three-step process (emphasizing, requiring, and recognizing character). TYC would implement the program at the West Texas State School and the McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility, Unit II. The program would involve approximately 592 youth and 572 staff.

TYC reports it will cost $179,812 to implement the bill in the biennium, with a cost of $48,102 in each year thereafter. TYC reports no additional FTEs are necessary to implement the bill. The costs are attributed to travel ($14,400), operating costs ($65,412), and professional services of a program evaluator ($100,000) for the biennium.


Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
694 Youth Commission
LBB Staff:
JOB, ES, GG, AI