Honorable Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Chair, House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Issues
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1586 by McClendon (Relating to the administration of Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities and post-adjudication secure correctional facilities for juvenile offenders and to the commitment of juvenile offenders.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend various codes as they relate to certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) functions and the formulation of a study and plan to transition to the confinement of youth in smaller, regional facilities. The bill would allow the commitment of juveniles to a state secure facility without a determinate sentence, only if the court finds that that commitment is appropriate due to the seriousness of the conduct or the child's needs cannot be met in their home community. The bill would require TJJD to conduct a study of the feasibility of establishing state-operated regional residential facilities for the placement of committed youth and submit a report on the study by March 1, 2016. The bill would allow TJJD to contract or consult with an outside entity to conduct the study. The bill requires TJJD to sell any facilities from the Corsicana Residential Treatment Center, or transfer those facilities to the county or municipality. The transfer or sale of facilities would require participation by the General Land Office (GLO). The bill would take effect immediately upon receiving a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to each chamber; otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2015.
This analysis assumes that the duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources. It is assumed that the Corsicana Residential Treatment Center (CRTC) facilities would be transferred to the county or municipality, which has occurred with other former TJJD facilities in recent history. The GLO anticipates minimal costs that could not be recouped in the instance of CRTC facilities being transferred to a municipality or county. A significant reduction of youth committed to TJJD facilities is not anticipated due to judges retaining discretion when making youth commitment decisions.
Local Government Impact
Johnson County Juvenile Probation Department reported that there may be a significant cost increase for post adjudication services for certain children that require additional services.
Rockwall County Juvenile Services reported that no significant fiscal impact is anticipated as the department does not operate pre-adjudication or post-adjudication residential facilities.
Guadalupe County Juvenile Services reported that no significant impact is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 305 General Land Office and Veterans' Land Board, 644 Juvenile Justice Department, 701 Central Education Agency