Honorable Joe Straus, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB200 by Parker (Relating to the notification of the release of certain inmates given to certain courts, law enforcement agencies, and the United States Social Security Administration.), As Passed 2nd House
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend various sections of the Government Code to require that inmate release notifications be provided by email or other electronic communication. The bill would require the Department of Criminal Justice to electronically notify the United States Social Security Administration upon the release or discharge of a prisoner from a state correctional facility who was receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) immediately prior to confinement and was confined for less than twelve consecutive months.
The bill would amend the Local Government Code, Chapter 351, to require the sheriff of a county jail to notify the United States Social Security Administration upon the release or discharge of a prisoner from a county jail who was receiving SSI or SSDI immediately prior to confinement and was confined for less than twelve consecutive months. A county or sheriff, or an employee of the county or sheriff would not be liable in a civil action for damages resulting from a failure to comply with this section. The bill would take effect September 1, 2011.
No significant fiscal impact from the bill is anticipated by the Department of Criminal Justice.
Local Government Impact
There could be costs to a sheriff's office for the notification requirements, but the amounts would vary depending on current procedures and the number of applicable prisoners.