| TO: | Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs |
| FROM: | John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB797 by King, Phil (Relating to the venue for the filing of certain applications by a pregnant minor with respect to an abortion.), As Introduced |
The bill would amend Family Code provisions governing notice of abortion, including the provisions which allow a minor to seek judicial approval for an abortion without notification to her parent(s), managing conservator, or guardian. The proposed amendment would continue to allow a minor who resides in a county with a population of less than 50,000 to file the application in any county court at law, court having probate jurisdiction, or district court, including a family district court, in this state. The proposed amendment restricts venue for a minor who resides in a county with a population of 50,000 or more to require that the application must be filed in a county court at law, court having probate jurisdiction, or district court, including a family district court, in the county in which the minor resides.
According to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the bill amendments trigger provisions in §33.011, which directs DSHS to produce and distribute informational materials that explain the rights of minors under this chapter. DSHS reports that the revision, printing, and distribution of an estimated 30,000 copies of informational booklets could be absorbed within the agency’s existing workload.
To the extent the bill would amend the Family Code, no significant impact on judicial workloads, caseloads of the Department of State Health Services, or fiscal implication to the state is anticipated. The bill would take effect September 1, 2011.
| Source Agencies: | 212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 537 State Health Services, Department of
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, KJG, TB
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