LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 7466 NOTE PREPARED: Mar 20, 2025
BILL NUMBER: HB 1626 BILL AMENDED: Mar 10, 2025
SUBJECT: Written Findings in Child Custody Orders.
FIRST AUTHOR: Rep. Judy BILL STATUS: Enrolled
FIRST SPONSOR: Sen. Brown L
FUNDS AFFECTED: GENERAL IMPACT: Local
DEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: This bill requires the following to be included in a custody order: (1) a trial court
shall include the court's findings of fact and conclusions of law on which the custody order is based; and (2)
an appellate decision shall include the facts upon which the appellate court relied to affirm or reverse an
order.
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 on a final child custody order. 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:
HB 1626 1 Fiscal Analyst: Bill Brumbach, 317-232-9559.
HB 1626 2