LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 87TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 8, 2021

TO:	Honorable Victoria Neave, Chair, House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Issues
FROM:	Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB147 by Minjarez (Relating to the powers and duties of guardians ad litem and volunteer advocates representing children in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Family Code to require a guardian ad litem appointed for a child in a proceeding under Family Code Chapter 262 or 263 to, no later than the 30th day after appointment, inform the child of and provide the child with certain information regarding the child's rights and to record the date when the information was provided.

The bill would provide that for certain court-certified volunteer advocates to be appointed as a surrogate parent for a child that the volunteer complete training on the child's rights under Family Code Section 263.008 and the procedures for the child to report abuse or neglect.

Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration and the Department of Family and Protective Services, it is assumed that duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the bill could be accomplished utilizing existing resources. In addition, no significant fiscal impact to the state court system is anticipated with the implementation of the bill.

Local Government Impact

According to the Texas Association of Counties, no fiscal impact to counties is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

212 Office of Court Admin, 530 Family & Protective Services

LBB Staff:

JMc, DKN, BH, AF