LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 7466 NOTE PREPARED: Mar 6, 2025
BILL NUMBER: HB 1626 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: Written Findings in Child Custody Orders.
FIRST AUTHOR: Rep. Judy BILL STATUS: CR Adopted - 2
nd
House
FIRST SPONSOR: Sen. Brown L
FUNDS AFFECTED: GENERAL IMPACT: Local
DEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: This bill requires a court to include in: (1) a custody order; or (2) an appellate
decision affirming or reversing a custody order; the court's findings of fact and conclusions of law on which
the custody order or appellate decision is based.
Effective Date: July 1, 2025.
Explanation of State Expenditures:
Explanation of State Revenues:
Explanation of Local Expenditures: This bill could increase court workload to provide a written account
of the court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law. Increases in workload are expected to be accomplished
within existing resource and funding levels.
Additional Information - Current law requires written findings of fact and conclusions of law to be included
in family arbitration cases (IC 34-57-5-7). Under the bill, this same requirement would apply to child custody
orders and orders modifying child custody heard before a judge or an appellate court. To the extent written
findings of fact and conclusions of law are not included in new orders and orders modifying child custody,
court workload would increase.
Explanation of Local Revenues:
State Agencies Affected:
Local Agencies Affected: Courts.
Information Sources:
Fiscal Analyst: Bill Brumbach, 317-232-9559.
HB 1626 1