LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 87TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION March 14, 2021 TO: Honorable Nicole Collier, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence FROM: Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE: HB978 by Metcalf (Relating to authorizing the comptroller to release a reported owner's unclaimed property to the owner's crime victim in certain circumstances.), As Introduced No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The bill would amend Chapter 493 of the Government Code to require the Department of Criminal Justice to file a claim for unclaimed property on behalf of a victim of a criminal offense if the reported owner of the unclaimed property was finally convicted. The bill would also amend Section 74,501, Property Code, regarding unclaimed property and claims files with the Comptroller of Public Accounts, to authorize the Comptroller's office to release a reported owner's unclaimed property to the owner's crime victim. Based on the analysis of the Comptroller, the bill could result in an increase in approved unclaimed property claims; however, the amount of the increase is indeterminate. It is assumed that any costs associated with the bill's provisions could be absorbed using existing resources. Local Government ImpactNo significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Source Agencies: b > td > 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 696 Department of Criminal Justice LBB Staff: b > td > JMc, DKn, LCO, MBo LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 87TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION March 14, 2021 TO: Honorable Nicole Collier, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence FROM: Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE: HB978 by Metcalf (Relating to authorizing the comptroller to release a reported owner's unclaimed property to the owner's crime victim in certain circumstances.), As Introduced TO: Honorable Nicole Collier, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence FROM: Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE: HB978 by Metcalf (Relating to authorizing the comptroller to release a reported owner's unclaimed property to the owner's crime victim in certain circumstances.), As Introduced Honorable Nicole Collier, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence Honorable Nicole Collier, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board HB978 by Metcalf (Relating to authorizing the comptroller to release a reported owner's unclaimed property to the owner's crime victim in certain circumstances.), As Introduced HB978 by Metcalf (Relating to authorizing the comptroller to release a reported owner's unclaimed property to the owner's crime victim in certain circumstances.), As Introduced No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The bill would amend Chapter 493 of the Government Code to require the Department of Criminal Justice to file a claim for unclaimed property on behalf of a victim of a criminal offense if the reported owner of the unclaimed property was finally convicted. The bill would also amend Section 74,501, Property Code, regarding unclaimed property and claims files with the Comptroller of Public Accounts, to authorize the Comptroller's office to release a reported owner's unclaimed property to the owner's crime victim. Based on the analysis of the Comptroller, the bill could result in an increase in approved unclaimed property claims; however, the amount of the increase is indeterminate. It is assumed that any costs associated with the bill's provisions could be absorbed using existing resources. Local Government Impact No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Source Agencies: b > td > 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 696 Department of Criminal Justice 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 696 Department of Criminal Justice LBB Staff: b > td > JMc, DKn, LCO, MBo JMc, DKn, LCO, MBo