FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 10, 2020
Time Requested: 01:17 PM
Agency: Health and Human Resources, WV Department of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
2115 Introduced SB301
CBD Subject:


FUND(S):

0403 - Div. of Human Services General Admin. Fund; 8722 - Cons. Federal Funds Div. Human Services; 8816 - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; 8757 - Federal Block Grant Social Services Fund; 8817 - Child Care Development Block Grant

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund Federal

Legislation creates:

Increases Existing Expenses



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The purpose of this bill is to establish additional duties of the Foster Care Ombudsman and investigation responsibilities of the Foster Care Ombudsman Program. This bill also creates access to foster care children and records, including subpoena powers, to assist in investigation of complaints and fulfillment of the Foster Care Ombudsman’s duties. This bill also establishes the confidentiality of investigations by the Foster Care Ombudsman Program, limitations of liability of the Foster Care Ombudsman and availability of legal counsel. This bill also creates misdemeanor offenses for willful interference with a Foster Care Ombudsman Program investigation and retaliation. The estimated cost of this legislation to the Department's Office of Inspector General (OIG) is $601,543 ($421,080 state/$180,463 federal) in FY 2021 and $515,743 ($361,020 state/$154,723 federal) upon full implementation.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2020
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2021
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 601,543 515,743
Personal Services 0 350,943 350,943
Current Expenses 0 250,600 164,800
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):


It is estimated that the OIG will need to hire one HHR Program Manager I at $67,103 (DHHR average salary $49,706 and estimated fringe benefits $17,397), one Research Specialist II at $56,228 (DHHR average salary $41,650 and estimated fringe benefits $14,578), and four HHR Specialists Senior at $227,612 (DHHR average salary $42,150 X 4 = $168,600 and estimated fringe benefits $14,753 X 4 = $59,012). Current expense is estimated at $109,800 which includes rent, utilities, office supplies, travel, etc. ($12,000 X 6 employees = $72,000), and vehicle lease payments ($4,200 X 9 vehicles = $37,800). There is a one-time cost of $10,800 for the purchase of computer equipment ($1,800 X 6 employees). The OIG will also need to purchase a computerized case tracking system which will include an estimated one-time initial cost of $75,000 with initial and on-going cost of $55,000 for user license fees, hosting services, and system maintenance and support.



Memorandum


This fiscal note includes only those staff and costs associated with implementing the proposed bill. An improvement request above what is needed here is submitted and included in the Governor's recommended budget for the Foster Care Ombudsman Program, created but unfunded in HB2010 (2019).



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Bill J. Crouch
    Email Address: dhhrbudgetoffice@wv.gov