Guardians ad litem.

05LSO-0611.L1

                                                         

FISCAL NOTE

 

This bill contains an appropriation of $2,100,000 from the GENERAL FUND.

This bill contains an authorization of 1 Full-Time position.

 

 

FY 2006

FY 2007

FY 2008

NON-ADMINISTRATIVE IMPACT

 

 

 

Anticipated Expenditure Increase:

 

 

 

GENERAL FUND

1,989,000

1,989,000

1,989,000

LOCAL SOURCES

76,000

76,000

76,000

[NOTE:  The projected $76,000 in local sources is merely the "new" funds that would be required, over-and-above the average of what is currently being expended by all counties for similar services.]

 

Source of Expenditure Increase:

 

State funds used for reimbursement of legal representation of children by attorneys in child protection or children in need of supervision (CHINS) cases.

 

Assumptions:

 

1)  Estimated number of cases requiring a guardian ad litem (GAL) is 750.  This estimate is based upon the three prior years (2001 through 2003) experience, including an identified growth trend.

 

2)  Estimated length of reimbursed time per case is 65 hours.

 

3)  Estimated hourly reimbursement rate is $55 per hour.  (Note:  The actual reimbursement by the Supreme Court may be different, but the three above assumptions have been collectively applied for estimating purposes.)

 

4)  It is further assumed, as required in the proposed language, that each participating county will agree to pay for 25 percent of the costs.  Based upon a three year average (FY00 through FY02), counties collectively expended an average of $624,000 per year on representation of these populations.  Therefore, approximately $76,000 in additional expenditures would be required, collectively, from all counties.

 

5)  No growth rate beyond the first year is incorporated in the estimates.

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In addition, this bill has administrative impact that appears to increase (or decrease) duties or responsibilities of the Supreme Court and may impact agency spending or staffing requirements. As introduced, the bill modifies the Supreme Court budget and current personnel authorizations.

The following state agencies will be asked to provide their estimate of the administrative fiscal impact prior to the first committee meeting held to consider the bill:

Supreme Court

 

Prepared by:   Don Richards, LSO           Phone:   777-7881