LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 82ND LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 28, 2011

TO:	Honorable Sid Miller, Chair, House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety
FROM:	John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB3107 by Menendez (Relating to notification to the United States Social Security Administration of the release of certain prisoners from county jails.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Local Government Code to require the sheriff of a county jail to notify the United States Social Security Administration upon the release or discharge of a prisoner who was receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)  immediately prior to confinement. 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 immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to each house. If the bill does not receive the votes required to pass, the bill would take effect September 1, 2011.

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.

The Travis County Sheriff’s Office reported there would be estimated costs of $248,406 to hire additional staff to conduct inquiries and confirm SSI and SSDI benefits and report the release or discharge of a prisoner as required, but the amounts are not anticipated to be significant.

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, ESi, TP