Honorable Jim McReynolds, Chair, House Committee on Corrections
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3226 by Madden (Relating to the payment of temporary housing costs for certain inmates who are eligible for release on parole or to mandatory supervision. ), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
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 who have not been released solely because a permanent post-release residence has not been located or established for the inmate. A voucher or debit card may be issued to the inmate to pay for the cost of temporary post-release housing but the amount of the card may not exceed an amount that is equal to the cost the department would incur to incarcerate the inmate for 90 days. Payment for the cost of a voucher or debit card issued would come out of funds appropriated for use in administering the parole system with respect to the housing of inmates on their release. 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.