COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH
OVERSIGHT DIVISION
FISCAL NOTE
L.R. NO.: 2916-10
BILL NO.: Perfected SCS for SB 597
SUBJECT: Creates the Adoption Awareness Law
TYPE: #Corrected
DATE: March 30, 2000
# Corrected to reflect actual agency response
FISCAL SUMMARY
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2001 | FY 2002 | FY 2003 |
| General Revenue | ($85,935) | ($91,928) | ($94,685) |
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on All State Funds |
($85,935) | ($91,928) | ($94,685) |
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2001 | FY 2002 | FY 2003 |
| None | |||
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on All Federal Funds |
$0 | $0 | $0 |
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2001 | FY 2002 | FY 2003 |
| Local Government | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Numbers within parentheses: ( ) indicate costs or losses.
This fiscal note contains 4 pages.
ASSUMPTION
Officials from the Department of Social Services - Division of Family Services (DFS) stated they and officials from the Department of Health would jointly prepare a pamphlet that addresses adoption and foster care as an alternative to abortion. This pamphlet does not currently exist and would need to be developed. As agreed with the Division of Maternal Child and Health (DMCH), the DFS would be responsible for the printing costs for the pamphlet through State Printing. The DMCH would be responsible for the distribution of the pamphlets, thereby splitting the costs.
According to the DMCH, there would be approximately 25,500 mailings to include, private adoption agencies, DOH physicians, family planning clinics, DOH clinics, abortion clinics, and any other person or entity that requests such materials. If 50 pamphlets were provided to the 25,500 entities per year, on a black and white tri-fold brochure, the cost for printing would be approximately $38,250. No new employees would be needed. Costs were charged to the General Revenue Fund.
DFS indicated the provisions in section 210.975 may generate additional costs for the department as they would be responsible for reimbursing the hospital for any expenses incurred as a result of accepting and caring for an infant or child. However, DFS assumes that since the hospital is to notify DFS immediately upon assuming custody, the expenses would be minimal. Once the infant or child is in DFS custody, Medicaid covers any medical expenses.
Officials from the Department of Health (DOH) assumed the DOS would be responsible for the development and printing of materials. Estimated costs of for postage for an initial mailing to all doctors, family planning clinics, prenatal clinics, privately funded adoption agencies, Title X agencies, abortion facilities, and any other person or entity who requests such material are $47,685. The subsequent mailings to the estimated 25,500 entities would result in postage expense of $52,530 and $54,106 for fiscal years 2002 and 2003, respectively.
Officials from the Office of Secretary of State (SOS) did not respond to our request for fiscal impact. Oversight assumes the SOS could absorb the costs of printing and distributing regulations related to this proposal. If multiple bills pass which require the printing and distribution of regulations at substantial costs, the SOS could request funding through the appropriation process. Any decisions to raise fees to defray costs would likely be made in subsequent fiscal years.
| FISCAL IMPACT - State Government | FY 2001
(10 Mo.) |
FY 2002 | FY 2003 |
| GENERAL REVENUE FUND | |||
| Costs - Department of Social Services | |||
| Printing Pamphlets | ($38,250) | ($39,398) | ($40,579) |
| #Costs - Department of Health | |||
| Postage and supplies | ($47,685) | ($52,530) | ($54,106) |
| # Corrected to reflect actual agency response | |||
| TOTAL ESTIMATED EFFECT ON | |||
| GENERAL REVENUE FUND | ($85,935) | ($91,928) | ($94,685) |
| FISCAL IMPACT - Local Government | FY 2001
(10 Mo.) |
FY 2002 | FY 2003 |
| $0 | $0 | $0 |
FISCAL IMPACT - Small Business
No direct fiscal impact to small businesses would be expected as a result of this proposal.
DESCRIPTION
This proposal creates the "Adoption Awareness Law" to promote adoption. Section 191.975 outlines the education and promotion duties of the Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health within the Department of Health with the cooperation of the Department of Social Services.
This legislation is not federally mandated, would not duplicate any other program and would require additional capital improvements or rental space.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Department of Social Services
Department of Health
NOT RESPONDING: Office of Secretary of State
Jeanne Jarrett, CPA
Director
March 30, 2000