LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 4, 2013

TO:	Honorable Lois W. Kolkhorst, Chair, House Committee On Public Health
FROM:	Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB446 by Dukes (Relating to information about fetal alcohol syndrome to be provided to pregnant patients.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code as it relates to information about fetal alcohol syndrome to be provided to pregnant patients.  Under the provisions of the bill, health care providers would be required to provide counseling on the risks of drinking alcohol while pregnant, including fetal alcohol syndrome, and provide a pamphlet that includes this information during the patient's first visit with the provider. 

The bill would require the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to establish guidelines for the provisions of this information and to make available an informational pamphlet.   Based on the analysis provided by the DSHS, it is assumed that the provisions of the bill can be implemented within existing resources.

The bill would take effect immediately if a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the Legislature is received, otherwise the bill would take effect on September 1, 2013.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

537 State Health Services, Department of

LBB Staff:

UP, CL, CH, NB