Bill

HB 337

85(R) - 2017
House Public Health
Senate Health & Human Services
House Public Health
Senate Health & Human Services
Corrections

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Nicole Collier

Sponsor(s)

Jose Menendez

Bill Caption

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

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 337 would reform procedures regarding Medicaid eligibility for people confined in a county jail. This bill would require the Health and Human Services determine whether to suspend or terminate eligibility for medical assistance as appropriate after being notified of the persons confinement by the sheriff.

The commission would be required to reinstate benefits eligibility within 48 hours of being released provided the person's benefits eligibility certification period had not lapsed during the time of confinement. Following reinstatement the individual would remain eligible until the expiration of their original certified eligibility. 

Finally, a sheriff would be permitted to "enter into an agreement with a third party with experience providing reintegration resources or services to former prisoners under which the third party assists a person who is released or discharged from the county jail with the reinstatement of the person ’s eligibility" for certain benefits.

Vote Recommendation Notes

While largely procedural in nature this bill would have the substantive impact of saving the state money in the long run which enhances our limited government principle. We support HB 337.

Organizations Supporting

Center for Public Policy Priorities
County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas
Disability Rights Texas
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Texas
Texas Conference of Urban Counties
Texas Public Policy Foundation
Travis County Commissioners Court
Travis County Democratic Party