LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 25, 2007

TO:	Honorable Patrick M. Rose, Chair, House Committee on Human Services
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB3571 by Rose (Relating to a pilot program to facilitate food stamp program outreach efforts and eligibility determination processes.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Subchapter B, Chapter 531, of the Government Code by adding Section 531.066, which states that the Health and Human Services Commission shall implement a pilot program in the South Texas region to contract with a private retail business to support outreach efforts and eligibility determination for the food stamp program.

The private entity may provide informational materials, perform appropriate outreach services, lend staffing support to conduct outreach, and provide office space to conduct outreach efforts and eligibility determinations.  A report on the pilot program would be due December 1, 2008.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2007.

While it is possible that the outreach efforts may increase enrollment in programs that would require state expenditures, the extent of possible outreach is unknown at this time, and HHSC estimates no significant fiscal impact from the bill.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

529 Health and Human Services Commission

LBB Staff:

JOB, KJG, CL, PP, MB