Honorable Lois W. Kolkhorst, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB63 by Swanson (Relating to reports of child abuse or neglect and certain preliminary investigations of those reports.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would prohibit the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) from accepting an anonymous report and require DFPS to notify the caller that making a false report is a criminal offense. The bill would also require DFPS to conduct preliminary investigations for any anonymous calls reported to a local or state law enforcement agency and the agency refers the report to the department. It is assumed that any costs related to updating policies, technology and training would be insignificant.
Local Government Impact
The fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined at this time. Local governments may have an increase in the number of reports made to local law enforcement.