LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 76th Regular Session March 7, 1999 TO: Honorable Judith Zaffirini, Chair, Senate Committee on Human Services FROM: John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE: SB27 by Nelson (Relating to parental consent before an abortion may be performed on a minor; providing a criminal penalty.), As Introduced ************************************************************************** * No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. * * * * The 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 require the Department of Health to develop and provide a certification form to be used by a physician to certify that a medical emergency existed and the required consent could not be obtained. It is assumed that costs associated with providing the certification form would be absorbed using existing resources. The bill would also require the clerk of the Supreme Court of Texas to create an application form to be submitted by minors seeking judicial consent without parental consent and a notice of appeal form. According to the Office of Court Administration, this requirement would have minimal fiscal impact. Local Government Impact The bill would require the county courts to hear and rule on an application submitted by a minor seeking judicial consent without parental consent. Filing fee or court costs may not be assessed against a minor. According to the Office of Court Administration, county courts would bear the cost of an appointed attorney or a guardian ad litem for a minor. Source Agencies: LBB Staff: JK, TP, RM