Honorable Donna Campbell, Chair, Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Border Security
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3310 by Romero, Jr. (Relating to assisting inmates in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in obtaining federal veterans disability benefits.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code as it relates to federal veteran disability benefits for offenders incarcerated in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facility. The bill would direct TDCJ to ensure that the appropriate health care provider assist a veteran offender with obtaining veterans disability benefits. Under current Correctional Managed Health Care (CMHC) policies, medical staff contracted through the Veterans Administration assist eligible veterans to obtain disability benefits. According to TDCJ, there may be costs associated with transporting eligible offenders to CMHC providers for assistance, in the event that the Veterans Administration discontinues that function.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.