Honorable Dan Patrick, Lieutenant Governor, Senate
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB27 by Campbell (Relating to the mental health program for veterans.), As Passed 2nd House
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Education Code to require The University of Texas (UT) System Board of Regents to establish the National Center for Warrior Resiliency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The Center would be established to provide clinical care and research of issues relating to combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder and comorbid conditions. The bill would require the UT Board of Regents to provide for the employment of staff and an operating budget for the Center. The bill would allow the UT System Board of Regents to solicit, accept, and administer gifts and grants from any public or private source for the Center and would allow the Center to enter into agreements or collaborations with public or private entities to perform the research functions of the Center.
The bill would also amend the Health and Safety Code Chapter 1001 to require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to include training and technical assistance for peer service coordinators and licensed mental health professionals in the mental health program for veterans. The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
According to UT System, the Center's programmatic services would be supported through grant funding. UT System indicated the Center would require $1.25 million per year to support the administrative costs of the Center. This would include funding to support 7.5 full-time equivalent positions, rent, and other operational costs. Based on information provided by UT System, this analysis assumes any costs related to the Center would be paid for with institutional funds. HHSC indicates that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed within existing agency resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
403 Veterans Commission, 529 Health and Human Services Commission, 720 The University of Texas System Administration