LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE 75th Regular Session April 13, 1997 TO: Honorable Harvey Hilderbran, Chair IN RE: House Bill No. 1850 Committee on Human Services By: Naishtat House Austin, Texas FROM: John Keel, Director In response to your request for a Fiscal Note on HB1850 ( Relating to the protective services for the elderly.) this office has detemined the following: Biennial Net Impact to General Revenue Funds by HB1850-As Introduced No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. This bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. The bill would amend Section 48.0215 of the Human Resources Code to specify that the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (PRS) is not liable to pay fees relating to the determination of appointing, or the appointment of, attorneys or guardians ad litem for two groups of individuals: 1) minors in PRS managing conservatorship who will not be able to care for themselves upon reaching adulthood because of a physical or mental condition, and 2) adults found by PRS to be in a state of abuse, neglect, or exploitation who will not be able to care for themselves because of a physical or mental condition. PRS reports that county courts on occasion have sought to have PRS pay the fees associated with a court proceeding that did not result in the appointment of an attorney or guardian ad litem. The amendment would clarify and continue the agency's current policy of not paying ad-litem fees. It is assumed that any savings to PRS from implementation of the provision would not be significant. No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Source: Agencies: 530 Department of Protective and Regulatory Services LBB Staff: JK ,BB ,NM