LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 76th Regular Session May 14, 1999 TO: Honorable Judith Zaffrini, Chair, Senate Committee on Human Services FROM: John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE: HB3479 by Greenberg (Relating to liability for sexual exploitation by mental health services providers who are officers or employees of governmental units.), As Engrossed ************************************************************************** * No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. * ************************************************************************** The bill waives sovereign immunity and allows an individual to sue a governmental unit for damages due to sexual exploitation by a mental health services provider which would include physicians, psychologists, licensed social workers and chemical dependency counselors. However, the bill would impose a limit on money damages if liability is incurred on the state. Local Government Impact No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. However, depending on the number of cases filed, local governments would be exposed to the same type of liability as the state. Source Agencies: 302 Office Of The Attorney General LBB Staff: JK, TP, SD, PE