LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 84TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 21, 2015

TO:	Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:	Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB126 by West (Relating to the release of certain inmates on medically recommended intensive supervision.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Government Code as it relates to the release of certain inmates on medically recommended intensive supervision. Under the provisions of the bill, certain inmates would now be eligible for consideration for release to medically recommended intensive supervision.  The bill would also require the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Department of Aging and Disability Services, and the Health and Human Services Commission to conduct a study regarding the feasibility of contracting with a private entity to house inmates released on medically recommended intensive supervision.

The Board of Pardons and Paroles, Department of Aging and Disability Services reported the bill would have no significant fiscal impact.  It is assumed the Health and Human Services Commission can absorb costs associated with the bill within existing resources. Provisions of the bill could result in the release of persons with significant medical needs who could be found eligible for Medicaid. It is assumed that the number of persons would be small and not result in a significant increase to Medicaid expenditures and that any increase would be offset by a savings to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

529 Health and Human Services Commission, 539 Aging and Disability Services, Department of, 696 Department of Criminal Justice, 697 Board of Pardons and Paroles

LBB Staff:

UP, KJo, LM, CH, JPo, JN