Honorable James White, Chair, House Committee on Corrections
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB918 by White (Relating to providing certain discharged or released inmates with documentation to assist in obtaining employment.), As Introduced
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB918, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($6,143,360) through the biennium ending August 31, 2021.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.
Fiscal Year
Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2020
($3,082,894)
2021
($3,060,466)
2022
($3,060,466)
2023
($3,060,466)
2024
($3,060,466)
Fiscal Year
Probable (Cost) from General Revenue Fund 1
2020
($3,082,894)
2021
($3,060,466)
2022
($3,060,466)
2023
($3,060,466)
2024
($3,060,466)
Fiscal Analysis
The bill would amend the Government Code to require the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to provide certain documentation and job readiness services to certain offenders exiting TDCJ correctional facilities. The bill would take effect September 1, 2019.
Methodology
According to TDCJ, the duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could not be absorbed within existing resources. TDCJ currently provides certain identification documents, including birth certificates and social security cards, to offenders who are being released from TDCJ facilities. However, TDCJ reported that the agency would require 60.0 additional FTEs to comply with the provisions of the bill as it relates to resumes and practice job interviews. The estimated cost of 60.0 additional FTEs, including salary, benefits, equipment, consumables, travel, and other operating expenses would be $3,082,894 in General Revenue for fiscal year 2020 and $3,060,466 each subsequent year.
Technology
TDCJ estimated that there would be a one-time information technology cost of $22,428 in General Revenue for programming to track the provision of training and documentation in fiscal year 2020.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.