FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: February 13, 2018
Time Requested: 01:10 PM |
| Agency: |
Health and Human Resources, WV Department of |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 2562 |
Introduced |
HB4555 |
|
|---|
| CBD Subject: |
Public Safety |
|---|
|
FUND(S):
0403 - DIV OF HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL ADMINISTRATION FUND, 8722 - CONS FEDERAL FUNDS DIV HUMAN SERVICES GEN ADMN FD
Sources of Revenue:
Other Fund General & Federal
Legislation creates:
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
The purpose of this bill is to enact the Refugee Absorptive Capacity Act. The bill provides a short title. The bill defines terms. The bill designates a state office within the Department of Health and Human Services which deals with refugees. The bill provides for a moratorium applications and cessations. The bill provides for a fiscal impact assessment. The bill requires reports. The bill provides for administration and severability.
The proposed legislation would require three new positions that would increase personal services and current expense. The Department estimates the fiscal impact would be $186,598 the first year and $164,098 each subsequent year.
There is a potential for increased revenue, however at this time it would not be cost effective to assess the fee as there were only six refugees last year.
Fiscal Note Detail
| Effect of Proposal |
Fiscal Year |
2018
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
2019
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation) |
| 1. Estmated Total Cost |
0 |
186,598 |
164,098 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
161,373 |
161,373 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
25,225 |
2,725 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
The estimated cost for personal services and employee benefits for FY2019 and ongoing would be $161,373, this would include $88,824 ($44,412 x 2) for two Health & Human Resource Specialist Seniors and $26,442 for one Office Assistant 3, and Benefits in the amount of $46,107 ($115,266 x 40%)
Current expenses for FY2019 and ongoing would include, $2,725 for travel costs for two employees (2,500 miles x .545 cents x 2). The estimated start-up cost of $22,500 for three employees ($7,500 x 3) would be a one time cost. Start-up costs includes costs for computers, furniture and office supplies. In future years, these costs will be reduced.
The bill would create obligations that would expand DHHR's role in refugee resettlement beyond its scope and authority. The bill would require the costly use of state funds to meet the following requirements: reallocation or reclassification of the State Refugee Coordinator position, replacement personnel to take over the grant coordinator's duties, additional clerical and administrative positions to meet the requirements of the act plus additional travel costs, costs of mailings and system development costs. At present, these can't be quantified.
Memorandum
The Department has very little authority or scope when dealing with refugees. The State Plan has been interpreted as dealing more broadly with refugee issues than it actually does. The State Plan is a plan for a single program that provides a pass-through grant for coordination of social services. The designation of a person as a refugee, their immigration status or their ability to cross borders or to relocate in the U.S. are beyond the scope and authority of the Department. Refugee status is a federally defined immigration status. The refugee screening and vetting process is conducted by international organizations and the federal government.
Federal law prohibits the Department from discriminating against refugees, govern the services and benefits available to refugees and guarantee refugees the same rights to privacy as any other recipient of DHHR benefits.
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Bill J. Crouch
Email Address: Bill.J.Crouch@wv.gov