FAMILY ADVISORY BOARD                                                                    S.B. 195 (S-1):

                                                                                       REVISED SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                     REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 195 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor:  Senator Stephanie Chang

Committee:  Judiciary and Public Safety

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Corrections Code to do the following:

-- Require the Department of Corrections (DOC) to create a family reunification policy that would have to include the creation of a permanent Family Advisory Board.

-- Establish requirements for the membership and operation of the Board.

-- Specify the Board's responsibilities, which would include assisting the DOC with the development of family reunification programs.

-- Allow the Board to create regional committees or facility-focused family councils.

-- Require the Board to report annually to the Legislature.

-- Require the DOC to provide necessary staffing to the Board.

-- Require the DOC to provide information about the Board on its website and in the waiting rooms of correctional facilities.

Proposed MCL 791.214a                                          Legislative Analyst:  Stephen Jackson

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on the Department of Corrections as the bill would require the Department to create a permanent Family Advisory Board. Board members would not receive a salary; however, they would be eligible for reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The Department would have to provide any office space, information technology (IT), and staffing necessary for the Board to fulfill its duties. The bill does not specify the number of staff that would be needed; however, any staff costs would be the responsibility of the Department.

The estimated annual cost for the proposed Board is indeterminate but based on the cost of similar commissions, the estimated annual costs for staff, office space, IT, and reimbursement for necessary member expenses ranges from as low as $7,000 to several hundred thousand. This amount primarily depends on staffing costs. The MDOC has indicated that staffing costs likely would be absorbed within current appropriations.

Date Completed:  7-10-20                                                   Fiscal Analyst:  Joe Carrasco

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.