Honorable Joan Huffman, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3424 by Smithee (Relating to a central database containing information about certain individuals under guardianship.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Estates Code and Government Codes to require a clerk of court to compile and submit information regarding incapacitated persons, the guardian appointed for the person and certain other contact information to the Department of Public Safety. Under the provisions of the bill, a clerk of court must obtain consent of a guardian of an incapacitated person on a form before the clerk would be able to provide the Department of Public Safety with the information for the capacitated person. The bill would require the Department of Public Safety to develop and maintain a computerized system accessible to emergency service providers that contains certain information relating to incapacitated persons. Under the provisions of the bill, the information contained in the database is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.
It is assumed any costs associated with implementing the bill could be absorbed within existing resources.
Local Government Impact
There would be costs associated with the bill. Depending on the processes and resources of a county, additional staff could be necessary to comply with the provisions of the bill.
Yoakum County reported there would be costs of hiring another employee to comply with the reporting requirements of the bill, the cost would be $60,000 per year including benefits.