Honorable Garnet Coleman, Chair, House Committee on County Affairs
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2467 by Zedler (Relating to training requirements for certain county jailers.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Occupations Code to decrease the amount of time during which a county jailer appointed on a temporary basis must satisfactorily complete a preparatory training program. The bill would also repeal a provision allowing a sheriff to petition the Commission on Jail Standards (CJS) for reinstatement of individuals who did not complete this training under certain circumstances.
According to CJS, the bill would have no fiscal impact to the agency.
Local Government Impact
According to CJS the bill could have substantial costs to local government or privately run facilities, however the agency is unable to determine this financial impact.
According to Harris County, the bill would require a minimum of two FTE trainers with an approximate cost of $50,000 in salary per FTE. The county would be required to offer classes more often than the current rate of twice per year. Other expenses would include office supplies, copier, paper, toner, travel time, and cost of exams.
According to the Texas Association of Counties, the bill would likely result in greater turnover among jailers in small counties. Consequently, those counties that send their jailers to other counties for training would see an increase in costs for travel and lodging even when training is provided at no cost.