Honorable Jim Murphy, Chair, House Committee on Corrections
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1908 by Naishtat (Relating to the continuity of care and service program for offenders with mental impairments.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code to require certain offenders with a mental impairment be identified and qualified for the continuity of care and service program regardless of diagnosis. The bill would stipulate that access to the program may not be restricted due to diagnosis of a specific mental disorder. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Department of State Health Services indicate that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed within current resources. The bill would take effect September 1, 2015.
Local Government Impact
Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) and NorthSTAR providers would have to expand diagnostic eligibility criteria for admission to services.
Bluebonnet Trails Community Services reported a total cost of $148,893 including staff, transportation, and computers in fiscal year 2016 to comply with the provisions of the bill. There would be costs of $114,839 in fiscal year 2017, $195,340 in fiscal year 2018, $172,893 in fiscal year 2019 and $251,786 in fiscal year 2020 for additional staff, transportation, and computers.
Williamson County Community Supervision and Corrections Department reported no fiscal impact.
Source Agencies:
537 State Health Services, Department of, 696 Department of Criminal Justice