LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE 74th Regular Session April 25, 1995 TO: Honorable Toby Goodman, Chair IN RE: Committee Substitute Committee on Juvenile Justice and for House Family Issues Bill No. 2571 House of Representatives Austin, Texas FROM: John Keel, Director In response to your request for a Fiscal Note on House Bill No. 2571 (Relating to children's advocacy centers.) this office has determined the following: The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. This bill would set up a framework for the establishment of children's advocacy centers to bring a cooperative, multidisciplinary team approach to the investigation of child abuse cases. Each advocacy center would furnish a meeting place for the multidisciplinary team, identify and provide the services children and their families need during an investigation, and coordinate the activities of governmental entities. A children's advocacy center would be established through a memorandum of understanding signed by the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, county and municipal law enforcement agencies, a county or district attorney, and another individual or entity that provides services to children. The memorandum of understanding could specify who would provide the office space and administrative services necessary for the center's operation. The bill would take effect only if the 74th Legislature enacts House Bill 655 and that it becomes law. The Committee Substitute for House Bill 1 includes a rider reserving up to $1 million in funds appropriated to the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services to match local contributions of up to $1 million as an incentive to establish 10 new children's advocacy centers during the upcoming biennium. The fiscal implication to the State or units of local government cannot be determined. Source: LBB Staff: JK, BR, RR Department of Protective and Regulatory Service