COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH
OVERSIGHT DIVISION
FISCAL NOTE
L.R. No.: 1036-01
Bill No.: SB 306
Subject: Children and Minors; Courts; Domestic Relations; Family Law; Guardians; Marriage and Divorce; Social Services Department
Type: Original
Date: February 4, 2003
FISCAL SUMMARY
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2004 | FY 2005 | FY 2006 |
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on General Revenue Fund |
$0 | $0 | $0 |
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2004 | FY 2005 | FY 2006 |
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on Other State Funds |
$0 | $0 | $0 |
Numbers within parentheses: ( ) indicate costs or losses.
This fiscal note contains 3 pages.
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2004 | FY 2005 | FY 2006 |
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on All Federal Funds |
$0 | $0 | $0 |
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2004 | FY 2005 | FY 2006 |
| Local Government | $0 | $0 | $0 |
ASSUMPTION
The Office of the State Courts Administrator assume that this proposal would not fiscally impact their agencies.
Officials from the Department of Social Services - Division of Family Services (DFS) state that this proposal requires the court to appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) where there are substantiated allegations of child abuse and neglect as opposed to only alleged abuse and neglect. DFS states since this proposal addresses those situations in which custody, visitation, or support of a child is a contested issue, it does not directly impact the DFS. Because a GAL would only be appointed when child abuse and neglect has been substantiated, the DFS assumes that GALs would be appointed in fewer instances. The DFS assumes no fiscal impact as result of this proposal.
| FISCAL IMPACT - State Government | FY 2004
(10 Mo.) |
FY 2005 | FY 2006 |
| $0 | $0 | $0 |
| FISCAL IMPACT - Local Government | FY 2004
(10 Mo.) |
FY 2005 | FY 2006 |
| $0 | $0 | $0 |
FISCAL IMPACT - Small Business
No direct fiscal impact to small businesses would be expected as a result of this proposal.
DESCRIPTION
This proposal specifies that the court must appoint a guardian ad litem where there are substantiated allegations of child abuse and neglect. The court may order an investigation and report, which shall be conducted by the local department of social services caseworker, the county juvenile officer, or any other competent person.
This legislation is not federally mandated, would not duplicate any other program and would not require additional capital improvements or rental space.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Office of State Courts Administrator
Department of Social Services
Mickey Wilson, CPA
Director
February 4, 2003