Honorable Leticia Van de Putte, Chair, Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Military Installations
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1022 by Ellis (Relating to death benefits for the survivors of certain members of the Texas National Guard.), As Introduced
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB1022, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($3,000,000) through the biennium ending August 31, 2011.
Fiscal Year
Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2010
($2,250,000)
2011
($750,000)
2012
($750,000)
2013
($750,000)
2014
($750,000)
Fiscal Year
Probable Savings/(Cost) from GENERAL REVENUE FUND 1
2010
($2,250,000)
2011
($750,000)
2012
($750,000)
2013
($750,000)
2014
($750,000)
Fiscal Analysis
The bill would amend the Government Code by adding a chapter that applies to an eligible survivor of a member of the Texas National Guard who has died after September 11, 2001, while serving on federal active duty or serving in a named military operation on active duty under state authority in accordance with Title 32, United States code. The bill states that the state shall pay $250,000 to the eligible survivor of an individual or the appropriate pro rata portion of that amount to the eligible survivors of the individual. According to the Adjutant General's Department (AGD), members on federal active duty include those members who are deployed to a hostile fire zone/combat zone and those members performing weekend drill.
Methodology
According to the Adjutant General's Department, since September 11, 2001, nine Texas National Guard members have died on duty in a hostile fire zone/combat zone and therefore the estimated cost would be $2.25 million (9 members multiplied by $250,000) for fiscal year 2010. At this time, the number of members who have died in places other than in a hostile fire zone/combat zone is unknown. The AGD estimates that the number could be three to five members per year. The estimated cost for each of the subsequent years is $750,000 (3 members multiplied by $250,000).
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.