79(R) HB 1212 Introduced version

The bill would relate to parental consent for the performance of an abortion and provides penalties. The bill would amend the Family Code by adding Chapter 34. Section 34.051 would require the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to prepare an emergency induced abortion certification form. Section 34.206 would require the DSHS to produce and distribute informational materials that explain the rights of a minor, as prescribed in the bill.

DSHS indicates that implementing the bill's provisions would necessitate modifications to the Vital Statistics abortion reporting system, data entry of additional records, and production and distribution of revised informational materials. It is assumed that any costs DSHS would incur in implementing the provisions of the bill would be absorbed within the agency's existing resources.

Section 34.055 would allow a defendant a hearing before the Texas State Board of Examiners, as prescribed in the bill. The Texas State Board of Examiners estimates the agency would conduct 5 additional hearings per year due to the bill's provisions. It is assumed that any costs the Texas State Board of Examiners would incur in implementing the provisions of the bill would be absorbed within the agency's existing resources.

Local courts could see some increased costs due to appointments of attorneys or guardians ad litem for a minor. There could also be costs associated with certification requirements and anticipated modifications to case management and reporting systems in clerks' offices. However, the fiscal implications are not expected to be significant.

LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION


April 12, 2005

TO:	Honorable David Swinford, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs

FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board

IN RE:	HB1212 by King, Phil (Relating to parental consent for the performance of an abortion; providing penalties.), As Introduced