COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH
OVERSIGHT DIVISION
FISCAL NOTE
L.R. No.: 4026-01
Bill No.: SB 994
Subject: Attorneys; Consumer Protection
Type: Original
Date: February 5, 2002
FISCAL SUMMARY
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2003 | FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| None | |||
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on All State Funds |
$0 | $0 | $0 |
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2003 | FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| None | |||
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on All Federal Funds |
$0 | $0 | $0 |
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2003 | FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| Local Government | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Numbers within parentheses: ( ) indicate costs or losses.
This fiscal note contains 3 pages.
ASSUMPTION
Officials from the Office of State Public Defender assume the proposed legislation would have no fiscal impact on their agency.
Officials from the Office of Prosecution Services assume the proposed legislation would have no fiscal impact on prosecutors.
Officials from the Office of State Courts Administrator assume the proposed legislation would have no fiscal impact on the courts.
Officials from the Office of Attorney General (AGO) assume the legislation is intended to apply to attorneys in private practice because it deals with "contracts for legal services." Therefore, the legislation would have no fiscal impact on the AGO.
| FISCAL IMPACT - State Government | FY 2003
(10 Mo.) |
FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| FISCAL IMPACT - Local Government | FY 2003
(10 Mo.) |
FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| $0 | $0 | $0 |
FISCAL IMPACT - Small Business
The proposed legislation could have a fiscal impact on small businesses.
DESCRIPTION
The proposed legislation would create the "Legal Consumer's Bill of Rights Act." Each written contract or agreement between a lawyer and client would append a copy of the legal consumer's bill of rights. The bill of rights would include provisions for disclosure of certain information by the lawyer to the client about the legal options available to the client; the costs associated with the lawyer's representation; and certain standards of representation required for a lawyer.
DESCRIPTION (continued)
The bill of rights would also inform the client of the right to an accessible legal system; the right to file a complaint against the lawyer with a disciplinary board, and the right to be left free from unsolicited contact from attorneys for thirty days after an event resulting in personal injury or death.
Within 30 days after a case is finally completed, the lawyer would be required to provide certain information about the lawyer's actual services to the client.
This legislation is not federally mandated, would not duplicate any other program and would not require additional capital improvements or rental space. This legislation would not affect Total State Revenue.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Office of Prosecution Services
Office of State Public Defender
Office of Attorney General
Office of State Courts Administrator
Mickey Wilson, CPA
Acting Director
February 5, 2002