Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3226 by Madden (Relating to the payment of temporary housing costs for certain individuals who are released or are eligible for release on parole or to mandatory supervision.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code by allowing for the payment of temporary housing costs for certain inmates eligible for release on parole or to mandatory supervision and for releasees. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) may issue payment for the cost of temporary post-release housing but the amount may not exceed an amount that is equal to the cost the department would incur to incarcerate the inmate for the period for which payment is issued. Payment would come out of funds appropriated for use in administering the parole system with respect to the housing of inmates on their release. The bill would also require TDCJ to prepare reports for submission to the Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight Committee regarding information on the inmates and releasees on whose behalf payment is issued by the bill. As of March 16, 2009, there were 239 inmates approved for parole but were pending release because a residential placement had not been secured. It is assumed that the cost of paying for temporary housing coupled with the savings associated with inmates being released to parole would not result in a significant fiscal impact from the bill.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.