Honorable Todd Hunter, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1767 by Watson (Relating to practices and procedures in child abuse and neglect cases.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Family Code and the Government Code relating to practices and procedures in child abuse and neglect cases. The bill requires the Supreme Court to adopt rules to establish procedures to make the courtroom environment more accommodating to children who must testify. The bill would also require the Judicial Commission for Children, Youth, and Families to study issues related to child abuse and neglect cases and submit a report on suggested statutory changes to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and the chair of the standing committee in each house of the Legislature with primary jurisdiction over child abuse and neglect cases no later than October 1, 2010. According to the Office of Court Administration it is anticipated that the study of child abuse and neglect cases, as well as the reporting requirement, could be accomplished with existing resources. 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