Bill

HB 2523

84(R) - 2015
House Public Health
House Public Health
Health & Human Services
Healthcare

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Nicole Collier

Bill Caption

Relating to the continuation of certain public benefits, including medical assistance, for individuals after release from confinement in a county jail.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

There could be costs to counties for the required notices; however, the amounts would vary depending on current processes and the resources of each local entity.

Bill Analysis

The bill would amend Chapter 32 of the Human Resources Code and Chapter 351 of the Local Government Code.

If an individual is confined in a county jail because the individual has been charged but not convicted of an offense, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) would be required to suspend an individual's eligibility for medical assistance during their period of county jail confinement.

If an individual is confined in a county jail because the individual has been convicted of an offense, HHSC would be required to either terminate or suspend the individual’s eligibility for medical assistance during their period of county jail confinement.

Within 48 hours of receiving notification that an individual has been released from county jail, HHSC would be required to reinstate an individual's eligibility for medical assistance.

The bill would authorize a county sheriff to notify HHSC and other governmental entities on the confinement, conviction, and/or release of an individual who was receiving medical assistance.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This legislation neither offends nor affirms our liberty principles, therefore we are neutral.

Organizations Supporting

Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
Mental Health America of Greater Houston
Texas Conference of Urban Counties