[1] NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended only for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature. The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) is available on the Legislative Website. The Adobe PDF version includes all attachments, whereas the HTML version does not. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC’s office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR:	Picraux		DATE TYPED:	01/24/02		HB	201
SHORT TITLE:		Home Modifications for Disabled				SB
					ANALYST:		Chabot

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY02

FY03

FY02

FY03

$3,000.0

Recurring

General Fund

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

Governor’s Committee on Concerns of the Handicapped (GCCH)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 201 appropriates $3,000.0 from the general fund to the Governor’s Committee on Concerns of the Handicapped for the purpose of contracting for home modifications for persons with disabilities. These modification projects will emphasize access, egress and basic assistance with routine living functions.

Significant Issues

According to GCCH, there is no coordinated statewide program that provides for home modification assistance for people with disabilities. Other agencies have programs with different qualification requirements and have long waiting lists. People with disabilities would be able to access the program based on need and would allow individuals to remain home rather than go into nursing homes. GCCH states that the expressed intent of this bill is to assist people with disabilities in remaining in their place of residence or to return home from an institution setting. DVR also supports the bill because it would augment their efforts in vocational rehabilitation because of better living conditions.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $3,000.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2003 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

GCCH will have to develop policies and procedures for this program using its existing staff. No provision is made for any administrative expenses incurred to implement the program. Criteria should be established by GCCH so that the most critical needs are satisfied through a ranking system. In addition, an approval procedure needs to be established.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

GCCH states that the intent of his bill is to provide funding for the Handicapped Housing Modification Fund that was established by the 2001 legislature (Laws of 2001, Chapter 226) but which was provided no revenue. However, the bill does not reference that fund or provide for the appropriation to be deposited to that fund.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. Is the intent of the bill to provide funding for a home modification program as part of the GCCH operating budget or to provide funding for the Handicapped Housing Modification Fund from which GCCH can use the earnings for establishing the program?

GAC/njw:ar