LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
200 W. Washington St., Suite 301
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 233-0696
iga.in.gov
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 7031 NOTE PREPARED: Feb 29, 2024
BILL NUMBER: HB 1369 BILL AMENDED: Feb 22, 2024
SUBJECT: Family and Juvenile Law Matters.
FIRST AUTHOR: Rep. McGuire BILL STATUS: Enrolled
FIRST SPONSOR: Sen. Brown L
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State & Local
XDEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: This bill amends the definition for "act of rape" to include all forms of child
molestation and sexual misconduct with a minor. The bill also adds sexual misconduct with a minor as an
offense that may be alleged in a petition to terminate the parent-child relationship when a child is conceived
as a result of the offense.
This bill provides that the Department of Child Services or a court shall consider ensuring the child's safety
to be the most important consideration in the determination of a child's best interests under family and
juvenile law. The bill provides that there is a rebuttable presumption that a child is a child in need of services
(CHINS) if the state establishes that the child lives in the same household as an adult who was a perpetrator
of a child fatality or near fatality that may have been the result of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. The bill
also amends the circumstances under which a court may terminate the parent-child relationship with regard
to a CHINS.
Effective Date: Upon Passage.
Explanation of State Expenditures: Only the DCS or an adoption agency can file a termination of the
parent child relationship petition. Expanding circumstances for the termination of the parent child
relationship could increase the workload of the Department of Child Services (DCS). The bill also expands
instances where a child would be considered a CHINS due to residing in a house with an adult who
committed certain offenses against another child/other children. As a result, this bill could increase the
number of CHINS in the state, and the workload of the DCS. Increases in workload are expected to be
accomplished within existing resource and funding levels.
HB 1369 1 Explanation of State Revenues: The bill expands (1) circumstances that a court can consider when granting
a petition for the termination of the parent child relationship and (2) criminal acts that are considered grounds
for termination of the parent child relationship. This bill could increase the number of filings for termination
of parent-child relationships, which could increase the number of court filings in the state.
If additional civil cases occur and court fees are collected, revenue to the state General Fund will increase.
The total revenue per case would range between $100 and $122. The amount deposited will vary depending
on whether the case is filed in a court of record or a municipal court. The following linked document
describes the fees and distribution of the revenue: Court fees imposed in civil, probate, and small claims
cases.
Explanation of Local Expenditures:
Explanation of Local Revenues: If additional cases occur, revenue will be collected by certain local units.
If the case is filed in a court of record, the county will receive $32 and qualifying municipalities will receive
a share of $3. If the case is filed in a municipal court, the county receives $20, and the municipality will
receive $37. The following linked document describes the fees and distribution of the revenue: Court fees
imposed in civil, probate, and small claims cases.
State Agencies Affected: DCS.
Local Agencies Affected: Trial courts, city and town courts.
Information Sources: Indiana Supreme Court, Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual
Fiscal Analyst: Bill Brumbach, 317-232-9559.
HB 1369 2