NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended 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, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC 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: Rodella DATE TYPED: 02/06/01 HB 425
SHORT TITLE: Contract Services for Drug Abuse Prevention SB
ANALYST: Chabot


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02 FY01 FY02
$ 986.0 Recurring General Fund



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



LFC Files

Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD)

Health Policy Commission (HPC)



No Response

Department of Health (DOH)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



This bill appropriates $986.0 from the general fund to CYFD for the purpose of contracting for services in the prevention of alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse, in particular the spread and alarming consequences of drugs commonly known as black tar heroin and ecstasy. This is to be done through the operation of a youth teen center that provides programs for substance abuse prevention, life skills training and character development, and cultural, recreational and alternative activities in Arroyo Seco in northern Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties.



Significant Issues



According to HPC, the death rate in Rio Arriba County from drug-overdoses is now the highest per capita in the nation. Research suggests that recreational programs that offer a consistent message of substance abuse prevention coupled with programs that emphasize demand-reduction, life skills development, and character development can be effective in persuading young people not to abuse drugs. CYFD does not have a facility in this location.





PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS



One output measure is proposed:



Number of clients served by the contract services for the prevention of alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse in Arroyo Seco.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



The appropriation of $986.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2002 shall revert to the general fund.



ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS



While the bill specifies contract services, the extent of the contract is not specified. Since CYFD does not have a facility in Arroyo Seco, the department would try to contract for the specified services including a contractor-operated teen center.



TECHNICAL ISSUES



HPC states that DOH receives funding through a federal substance abuse treatment and prevention block grant and should be considered for this appropriation. If services are to provided for individuals older than 18 years of age, DOH would need to administer those services. DOH did not respond to the request for analysis.



GAC/ar