LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 23, 2007

TO:	Honorable Patrick M. Rose, Chair, House Committee on Human Services
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1708 by Naishtat (Relating to examination requirements in certain guardianship matters concerning persons with mental retardation.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend statute to prohibit a court form granting an application for guardianship regarding a person with mental retardation unless the court is presented with a written letter or certificate from a physician dated not earlier than the 120^th day before the date of the filing of the application. The court may also accept written documentation, dated not earlier than 24 months prior to the hearing date, showing the proposed ward has been examined by a physician or psychologist, licensed in the state or certified by the Department of Aging and Disability Services and the recommendations of the physician or psychologist.

This bill would take effect September 1, 2007.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 530 Family and Protective Services, Department of

LBB Staff:

JOB, CL, SD, MN