FISCAL NOTE
FUND(S):
0403 - Div of Human Services General Administrative Fund, 8722 - Consolidated Federal Funds Div Human Services Gen Admn Fund
Sources of Revenue:
General Fund
Legislation creates:
Neither Program nor Fund
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
The purpose of this bill is to create a misdemeanor offense for a child abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian which creates a substantial threat of bodily injury. The bill establishes a misdemeanor penalty for a first offense and requires those convicted to complete a parenting plan and parenting education class. The bill increases penalties for a second conviction. The bill makes a conviction for a third or subsequent offense a felony. The bill establishes criminal penalties. The bill also provides that parents, guardians or custodians convicted of a misdemeanor are not required to register as person convicted of child abuse or neglect.
As written, the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) does not estimate any fiscal impact from the proposed legislation. Please see note in the memorandum section.
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 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
Memorandum
The bill calls for first offenders of child abuse by a parent, guardian, or custodian to attend a parenting education class. The bill does not specify who will be responsible for paying for this class. The Department's Bureau for Children and Families currently provides parenting classes through the Foster Care Program. The parenting class is directed to the parenting issue, in this case abuse/neglect. The current costs associated with such parenting classes are identified as Individualized Parenting at the rate of $40 per unit (hour), with a potential of 39 units during a three month period. The potential cost per parenting plan could range from $40 to $1,560 per client for a three month period. From November 2011 to December 2012, there were 3,027 Child Protective Services referrals which required action by DHHR.
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Karen L. Bowling
Email Address: karen.l.bowling@wv.gov