LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 18, 2009

TO:
Honorable Patrick M. Rose, Chair, House Committee on Human Services
 
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
SB493 by Nelson (Relating to benefits and services for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill increases the number of Department of Family Protective Services conservatorship children who would be eligible for the education tuition waiver to include those who are adopted at any age and those who have permanent managing conservatorship (PMC) given or transferred to someone other than the parent. There is currently an exemption program for students once in foster care. Based on information provided by the Higher Education Coordinating Board, in fiscal year 2008 a total of 2,030 students received exemptions totaling $4,134,826. The majority of the students attended public community college (68%) where the average award was $1,001 and public universities (27%) where the average award was $4,647 per year. Based on information provided by the Higher Education Coordinating Board is it estimated the new exemption provisions would result in institutions forgoing tuition and fees of $96,455 in fiscal year 2010. The amounts would increase in the out years as more students used the exemption. 

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
530 Family and Protective Services, Department of, 701 Central Education Agency, 781 Higher Education Coordinating Board
LBB Staff:
JOB, CL, PP, GO, NM