Honorable Dustin Burrows, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB35 by Thompson (Relating to a peer support network for first responders.), As Passed 2nd House
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB35, As Passed 2nd House: a negative impact of ($3,950,000) through the biennium ending August 31, 2027.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.
General Revenue-Related Funds, Five- Year Impact:
Fiscal Year
Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2026
($1,975,000)
2027
($1,975,000)
2028
($1,975,000)
2029
($1,975,000)
2030
($1,975,000)
All Funds, Five-Year Impact:
Fiscal Year
Probable Savings/(Cost) from General Revenue Fund 1
2026
($1,975,000)
2027
($1,975,000)
2028
($1,975,000)
2029
($1,975,000)
2030
($1,975,000)
Fiscal Analysis
The bill would require the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to develop a peer support network for first responders that would establish regional peer support hubs and connect first responders with clinical resources at no cost to the first responders. The network would be required to include: (1) peer-to-peer support; (2) training for peer service coordinators and peers that includes suicide prevention training; (3) technical assistance for program development and implementation; and (4) identification, retention, and screening of licensed mental health professionals.
Additionally, the bill would require an annual report from TDEM on certain information specified in the bill's provisions.
Methodology
Based on information provided by TDEM, it is estimated that the agency would need approximately $2.0 million per fiscal year for the establishment of the regional peer support hubs. TDEM indicates that the provisions of the bill could be implemented by utilizing the private sector and sharing employees at the local level; however, any fiscal impact related to the cost associated with staffing these positions cannot be determined.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.