FISCAL NOTE
FUND(S):
Unknown
Sources of Revenue:
General Fund
Legislation creates:
A New Program
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
The purpose of this bill is to create an Office of Child Protection Ombudsman. The office is to be independent. The responsibilities of the office is to investigate complaints against circuit and family law judges and the Division of Child Protective Services concerning alleged failures to adequately protect children. The Department of Administration estimates the fiscal impact to the State of West Virginia would be $214,500.00 as a result of the passage of this bill.
Fiscal Note Detail
| Effect of Proposal |
Fiscal Year |
2014
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
2015
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation) |
| 1. Estmated Total Cost |
214,000 |
199,500 |
199,500 |
| Personal Services |
140,000 |
140,000 |
140,000 |
| Current Expenses |
12,500 |
12,500 |
12,500 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
20,000 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
| Other |
42,000 |
42,000 |
42,000 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
This fiscal note assumes that the Office of Child Protection Ombudsman would require an attorney, two staff employees, benefits, equipment, rent and supplies as listed below:
Attorney Salary $70,000
Staff Salary $40,000
Staff Salary $30,000
Benefits $42,000
Equipment $20,000 first year $5,000 thereafter
Rent and Supplies $12,500 annually
Memorandum
Language in the bill requires that the Office of Child Protection Ombudsman to investigate complaints against circuit and family court judges and the Division of Child Protective Services. The office is also required to remain knowledgeable of current laws and trends regarding child abuse and to file legal actions, including but not limited to, actions in mandamus, prohibition, or declaratory judgement actions that seek to require governmental officials to perform necessary activities to protect children. Due to the nature of the responsibilities of the office, the Department of Administration also assumes that the office should be ran by an attorney. A pay grade 20 has a salary range of $41,736 - $77,220. This should be sufficient for such a position.
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Donna Lipscomb Spano
Email Address: donna.m.lipscombspano@wv.gov