The addition of a time credit for diligent
participation as outlined in the bill's provisions is expected to result in
fewer demands on the correctional resources of the state. The probable fiscal impact of
implementing the bill's provisions is indeterminate due to the lack of data related to the
amount of diligent participation time awarded to individuals while confined in a county jail.
These data are necessary to calculate a new parole eligibility date for those
who would be eligible for this time credit.
The bill would amend the Government Code to modify the parole eligibility date of certain incarcerated individuals. Under the provisions of the bill, for the incarcerated individuals specified, it would expand the type of programs for which time credit would be awarded and would include good conduct time as outlined in the bill in the determination of a parole eligibility date.
The addition of time credit for diligent participation in the programs outlined in the bill to determine an initial parole eligibility date is expected to decrease the time from admission to incarceration and initial parole eligibility review for those who are eligible. The bill may have a positive fiscal impact by allowing certain individuals within state correctional institutions to be reviewed for consideration for release to parole supervision earlier than under existing statute. However, a modification to the eligibility for consideration for release to parole supervision date is not an indication of the date an individuals would be released from a correctional institution. Additionally, the awarding of time credit to calculate a parole eligibility is not an indication of the outcome of the parole review. The fiscal impact to the State cannot be determined at this time due to a lack of data related to the type and amount of time credit awarded while confined in county jail.
According to the Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP), the agency would require 50 additional full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, two commissioners, two Board assistants, and 46 institutional parole officers, resulting in a total personnel expense of $3,139,287 yearly. The fiscal year 2022 cost would be $3,324,585 and would be $3,237,637 for each subsequent fiscal year.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.