Honorable Charles Schwertner, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3994 by Morrison (Relating to notice of and consent to an abortion for a minor and associated requirements; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would change the requirements related to the notice of and consent to an abortion for a minor. The bill would prohibit the guardian ad litem appointed for a minor's request of judicial bypass of certain requirements related to consent to abortion from also serving as the minor's attorney. The bill would require the Office of Court Administration (OCA) to annually publish a report of the data submitted by county clerks on each case filed related to a minor seeking judicial bypass of certain requirements related to consent to abortion. The bill would require the physician to report any suspected abuse of the minor (currently only required if committed by certain persons) to a local law enforcement agency and to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill would require the local law enforcement agency and DFPS to investigate these reports.
Based on the analysis provided by DFPS, the Texas Medical Board, and OCA, it is assumed that the provisions of the bill can be implemented within existing state resources.
Local Government Impact
The bill would require a local law enforcement agency to investigate and report on alleged abuse to a minor within 24 hours. There may be costs to a local law enforcement agency depending on the number of cases and the agency's resources.
OCA reported that no significant impact to local courts is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 537 State Health Services, Department of, 503 Texas Medical Board, 530 Family and Protective Services, Department of