Colorado Legislative Council Staff

REVISED

NO FISCAL IMPACT

(replaces fiscal impact dated January 21, 1999)

TITLE:            CONCERNING PROCEDURES RELATED TO ADOPTION.

Summary of Assessment

            The reengrossed bill includes a number of provisions related to adoption, none of which pose a fiscal impact. As amended, the bill includes a date change from July 1, 2001 to September 1, 1999, when referencing procedures for adoptions finalized both "prior to" and "on or after that date". Provided below is a brief narrative of those statutory cites proposed in HB 99-1188 which may be interpreted to create a fiscal impact. The bill includes an effective date of July 1, 1999. The bill includes a "no appropriation" clause.

            Section 19-5-305 (2) (a) — Adoptions finalized prior to September 1, 1999. This provision allows confidential intermediaries, on behalf of certain identified persons, access to adoption records for adoptions finalized prior to September 1, 1999. Because this practice is authorized in Section 19-5-304, C.R.S., the Department of Human Services (DHS) indicates it has a process allowing access, thus no fiscal impact is anticipated.

            Section 19-5-305 (2) (b) — Adoptions finalized on or after September 1, 1999. This provision allows certain persons, without the appointment of a confidential intermediary, access to adoption records for adoptions finalized after September 1, 1999. Although this practice is not currently authorized, it is not anticipated that significant access will be sought for a number of years after the September 1, 1999, date. When this occurs, any fiscal impact will be dependent on the number of individuals seeking information and the automated systems used to maintain and access those records.

            Section 19-5-307. Public information campaign. The bill requires the executive directors of the DHS and the Department of Public Health and Environment (DPHE) to develop and implement a public information campaign about the existence and availability of the confidential intermediary process. DPHE indicates that it currently provides information brochures/packets to child placement agencies and these can be easily modified to include information on the confidential intermediary process. Additionally, DPHE has both experience and expertise in public service campaigns and announcements. DPHE indicates that this campaign can be implemented with existing operating appropriations at a nominal cost. Thus, this provision of the bill is assessed as having no fiscal impact.

Departments Contacted

            Human Services                     Judicial                       Public Health and Environment