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 6042 NOTE PREPARED: Oct 16, 2023
BILL NUMBER: SB 193 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: Child Welfare Provider Protections.
FIRST AUTHOR: Sen. Johnson BILL STATUS: As Introduced
FIRST SPONSOR:
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State & Local
XDEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: This bill prohibits the state from discriminating against adoption agencies, foster
parents, or adoptive parents on the basis of religious beliefs. It defines certain terms. The bill waives
sovereign immunity for purposes of the prohibition, except that state courts retain immunity. It also allows
suit under these provisions without exhausting administrative remedies and provides for a private right of
action and civil remedies.
Effective Date: July 1, 2024.
Explanation of State Expenditures: If additional civil cases are filed against the state, the workload of the
Attorney General would increase to represent the state in court. The bill’s requirements are within the
agency’s routine administrative functions and should be able to be implemented with no additional
appropriations, assuming near customary agency staffing and resource levels.
Additionally, if a court determines the state has performed discriminatory practices based on religious
beliefs, state expenditures could increase depending on awards made by the courts to plaintiffs. Increases
in state expenditures are indeterminable.
Explanation of State Revenues: 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.
SB 193 1 Explanation of Local Expenditures: If additional civil cases are filed against certain local units of
government, local workload could increase to address litigation. Additionally, if a court determines a local
unit has performed discriminatory practices based on religious beliefs, local expenditures could increase
depending on awards made by the courts to plaintiffs. Increases in local expenditures are indeterminable.
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, Attorney General.
Local Agencies Affected: Municipalities and special taxing districts.
Information Sources: Indiana Attorney General, Indiana Supreme Court, Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual
Fiscal Analyst: Bill Brumbach, 317-232-9559.
SB 193 2