LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 14, 2003

TO:	Honorable Terry Keel, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB1745 by Zaffirini (Relating to the right of certain sexual assault victims to a forensic medical examination.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Crime Victims’ Rights provision of the Code of Criminal Procedure to entitle a victim of a sexual assault to the right to a forensic medical examination if the victim reported the sexual assault to a law enforcement agency within 96 hours of the assault.  It is assumed that the bill would not have a significant fiscal impact to the State.

Local Government Impact

Generally, the investigating law enforcement agency pays for forensic medical tests in cases of sexual assault, and the victim or their insurance pays for other medical treatment required as a result of the assault. Provisions of the bill are not expected to significantly increase the number of forensic tests conducted and paid for by local law enforcement agencies.

Source Agencies:

410 Criminal Justice Policy Council, 696 Department of Criminal Justice

LBB Staff:

JK, WK, KG, VDS, GG