LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 15, 2009

TO:	Honorable Patrick M. Rose, Chair, House Committee on Human Services
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB4157 by Rose (Relating to court appointed volunteer advocates in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Family Code relating to court appointed volunteer advocates in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.  The bill would entitle volunteer advocates to fees in some suits affecting the parent child relationship and further requires courts to appoint a charitable organization composed of volunteer advocates in certain cases. To the extent that the bill requires court appointments and could award fees to advocates for parties to a suit, no significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.  The bill would take effect September 1, 2009.

Local Government Impact

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

Source Agencies:

212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council

LBB Staff:

JOB, CL, TB