Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3385 by Coleman (Relating to the activation of the statewide alert system for abducted children.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code to expand the conditions under which the statewide alert system for abducted children may be activated to include a child who has been taken from the care and custody of the parent or legal guardian without permission, regardless of whether or not the child departed willingly, if the local law enforcement agency determines that the child may be in danger. If it does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, the bill would take effect September 1, 2009. The Department of Public Safety indicates that the number of requests for activation of the statewide alert system would significantly increase as a result of the bill, but this analysis assumes that the costs associated with any increase could be reasonably absorbed within the current resources of the agency.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.