130th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1824 LR 2399(02)
An Act To Improve the Maine Child Welfare Services Ombudsman Program by Providing Additional Resources
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
Committee: Health and Human Services
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
Legislative Cost/Study
Legislative Cost/Study
The general operating expenses of this study are projected to be $1,250 in fiscal year 2021-22 and $1,500 in fiscal year 2022-23. The Legislature’s budget for the 2022-2023 biennium includes an estimated $6,108 in fiscal year 2021-22 and $10,000 in fiscal year 2022-23 for the costs of legislative studies, as well as $31,260 of balances carried over from prior years for this purpose. Whether these amounts are sufficient to fund all studies will depend on the number of studies authorized by the Legislative Council and the Legislature. The additional costs of providing staffing assistance to the study during the interim can be absorbed utilizing existing budgeted staff resources.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
Any additional costs to departments or agencies designated to take part in the Commission to Develop a Pilot Program to Provide Legal Representation to Families in the Child Protective System are expected to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.