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





SPONSOR: Taylor, JG DATE TYPED: 2/18/01 HB 652
SHORT TITLE: Statewide Development of Life Skills Program SB
ANALYST: Dunbar


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02 FY01 FY02
$ 2,000.0 Recurring General Fund



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



Relates to SB 544



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



Children Youth and Families Department



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



HB 652 appropriates $2,000.0 from the general fund to CYFD to contract with a life skills management organization to conduct a statewide program to assist at-risk youth with development of life skills. The programs will focus on the development of greater self esteem, an appreciation of family members, understanding of community and collective responsibility, problem solving skills, healthy decision making, higher commitment to completing educational studies and money management skills.



Significant Issues



HB 652 does not address how at-risk youth would be referred into this program. Also, the term "at risk" is not defined. The bill does not specify age of clients eligible to receive services.



The bill appears to direct that a single contract with only one life skills management organization, be created due to its wording: "a life skills management organization." It may be difficult to provide statewide coverage under this arrangement.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



HB652 appropriates $2,000.0 from the general fund to CYFD for expenditures in FY02. The appropriation is recurring and any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY02 will revert to the general fund. This appropriation is not part of CYFD's request nor was it included in the Executive recommendation.



AMENDMENTS



Amend the bill to address the issues described above in Significant Issues.



POSSIBLE QUESTIONS



Are youths in the juvenile justice system considered "at risk" or can the schools refer problem youths to CYFD for life skills training? What criteria can schools use to determine "at risk"?



BD/njw