TO:	Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:	Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB454 by Metcalf (Relating to the creation of a specialty treatment court for certain individuals residing with a child who is the subject of a juvenile court case.), As Engrossed

The bill would permit a county commissioner's court to establish a Juvenile Family Drug Court Program for individuals who reside with a child who is the subject of a juvenile justice case and are suspected by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or the court of having a substance abuse problem. The bill would permit a juvenile family drug court to assess a mandatory participant fee to cover the cost of all treatment and services received while participating in the program, based upon ability to pay.

Based on information provided by the Office of Court Administration and DFPS, it is assumed that duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished utilizing existing resources and that no significant fiscal impact to the state court system would result due to implementing the provisions of the bill.

Local Government Impact

Grayson County anticipates a fiscal impact from the bill. Grant funds from the state for local specialty courts, if received, and participant program fees could partially offset the cost of operating a new juvenile family drug court.