Missouri 2025 2025 Regular Session

Missouri House Bill HB737 Introduced / Fiscal Note

Filed 03/12/2025

                    COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH
OVERSIGHT DIVISION
FISCAL NOTE
L.R. No.:1974S.07A Bill No.:SS for HCS for HB Nos. 737 & 486 with SA1Subject:Attorneys; Children and Minors; Courts; Juvenile Courts; Crimes and Punishment; 
Domestic Relations; Family Law; Department of Mental Health; Department of 
Social Services; Division of Youth Services 
Type:Original  Date:March 12, 2025Bill Summary:This proposal modifies provisions relating to child protection. 
FISCAL SUMMARY
ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON GENERAL REVENUE FUNDFUND AFFECTEDFY 2026FY 2027FY 2028
General Revenue
(Unknown, more or 
less than $18,420,917)
More or Less than 
$4,556,105 to 
(Unknown)
More or Less than 
$4,553,725 to 
(Unknown)
Total Estimated Net 
Effect on General 
Revenue
(Unknown, more or 
less than 
$18,420,917)
More or Less than 
$4,556,105 to 
(Unknown)
More or Less than 
$4,553,725 to 
(Unknown)
ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON OTHER STATE FUNDSFUND AFFECTEDFY 2026FY 2027FY 2028State Facility 
Maintenance And 
Operation Fund 
(#0501) $0$0
Likely to exceed 
($460,241)
Child and Family 
Legal Representation 
Fund* $0$0$0
Total Estimated Net 
Effect on Other State 
Funds $0$0
Likely to exceed 
($460,241)
*Fund income less disbursements net to zero.
Numbers within parentheses: () indicate costs or losses. L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
Bill No. SS for HCS for HB Nos. 737 & 486 with SA1
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ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON FEDERAL FUNDSFUND AFFECTEDFY 2026FY 2027FY 2028Federal Funds*$0$0$0Total Estimated Net 
Effect on All Federal 
Funds $0$0$0
*Fund income less disbursements net to zero.
ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON FULL TIME EQUIVALENT (FTE)FUND AFFECTEDFY 2026FY 2027FY 2028General Revenue1.5 FTE1.5 FTE1.5 FTEState Facility 
Maintenance And 
Operation Fund 
(#0501) 001
Federal Funds1.5 FTE1.5 FTE1.5 FTETotal Estimated Net 
Effect on FTE3 FTE3 FTE4 FTE
☒ Estimated Net Effect (expenditures or reduced revenues) expected to exceed $250,000 in any  
     of the three fiscal years after implementation of the act or at full implementation of the act.
☒ Estimated Net Effect (savings or increased revenues) expected to exceed $250,000 in any of
     the three fiscal years after implementation of the act or at full implementation of the act.
ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON LOCAL FUNDSFUND AFFECTEDFY 2026FY 2027FY 2028Local Government*$0 or (Unknown)$0 or (Unknown)$0 or (Unknown)
*Potential child attorney or GAL costs L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
Bill No. SS for HCS for HB Nos. 737 & 486 with SA1
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FISCAL ANALYSIS
ASSUMPTION
Oversight was unable to receive some of the agency responses in a timely manner due to the 
short fiscal note request time. Oversight has presented this fiscal note on the best current 
information that we have or on prior year information regarding a similar bill. Upon the receipt 
of agency responses, Oversight will review to determine if an updated fiscal note should be 
prepared and seek the necessary approval to publish a new fiscal note.
§ 135.460 – Youth Opportunities Tax Credit
In response to similar legislation from this year (SB 126), officials from the Office of 
Administration – Budget & Planning (B&P) noted:
This proposal would increase the value of the youth opportunities tax credit to 70% of each 
contribution. B&P notes that the three-year average redemption amount was $2,926,896 from 
FY22 – FY24. B&P further notes that had the tax credits been set at 70% of donations, 
redemptions would have been $4,097,655. Therefore, B&P estimates that this provision could 
reduce GR by $1,170,759 annually beginning in FY26.
Officials from the Department of Revenue (DOR) noted: 
This proposal also changes the Youth Opportunities Tax Credit program. The Youth 
Opportunities tax credit program has a $6 million cap with the credit based on 50% of the 
contribution made. For informational purposes they are providing the amount authorized, issued 
and redeemed for this credit.  
YearIssued 
Total 
Redeemed
FY 2024$9,756,101.00$4,706,331.00$3,468,054.65FY 2023$2,247,858.00$4,139,385.00$2,987,947.79FY 2022$5,706,067.00$3,039,904.00$2,324,687.48FY 2021$5,288,870.00$1,983,794.00$4,084,410.34FY 2020$1,212,623.00$4,086,770.50$5,217,305.77FY 2019$5,169,666.00$5,822,539.00$4,040,657.57 L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
Bill No. SS for HCS for HB Nos. 737 & 486 with SA1
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FY 2018$6,826,426.00$5,726,775.00$4,818,711.26FY 2017$5,642,936.00$6,349,945.00$5,451,135.04FY 2016$6,375,728.00$5,411,972.00$4,706,636.11FY 2015$7,041,012.00$5,325,506.00$4,247,824.65FY 2014$5,941,601.50$5,080,128.00$5,239,666.42FY 2013$5,609,784.00$5,571,555.00$3,906,262.62FY 2012$5,843,692.62$4,152,310.83$4,979,894.20
This proposal increases the percent of the contribution from 50% to 70% for the amount of the 
tax credit a person receives.  An increase of $1,170,759.  It is unclear if this would encourage 
more taxpayers to contribute and claim the tax credit. The three-year average of the redemptions 
of the program has been $2,926,897.  However, since this program has an annual cap, it is not 
expected to result in any additional impact to the state.
Oversight notes the YOP program expenditures as follows:
 FY 2021 ACTUALFY 2022 ACTUALFY 2023 ACTUALCertificates Issued (#)974 1,504 1,559 Projects/Participants (#)36 13 57 Amount Authorized$5,706,067 $2,247,858 $9,756,101 Amount Issued$3,039,904 $4,139,385 $4,706,331 Amount Redeemed$2,324,687 $2,987,948 $3,468,054 
DED Form 14 
Oversight notes the YOP is a contribution tax credit program, which broadens and strengthens 
opportunities for positive development and participation in community life for youth and 
discourages criminal and violent behavior. Individuals, businesses, and corporations having tax 
liability in Missouri are eligible to receive tax credits for qualified donations to approved YOP 
projects.
Oversight notes the 3-year average redemption was $2,926,896 at 50% contribution percentage 
tax credit. 
Oversight notes the 70% contribution tax credit would allow for a total of $4,097,655 in the 
same period.
Oversight notes that the difference between 50% and 70% contribution redemption would total 
to $1,170,759 ($4,097,655 -$2,926,896). L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
Bill No. SS for HCS for HB Nos. 737 & 486 with SA1
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Oversight notes this proposal does not change the $6 million maximum YOP cap, instead it 
increases the percentage of the contribution from 50% to 70% for the amount of the tax credit. 
This will allow for those who claim the tax credit receive greater amount of funds, but will not 
affect the overall maximum cap available under the proposal. 
Therefore, for the purpose of this fiscal note, Oversight will reflect only the credit difference of 
$1,170,759 to the general revenue in the fiscal note for the YOP tax credit.
Officials from the DOR assumed the Department will need to update their computer programs 
($1,832) and forms ($2,200) for each credit.  DOR estimates the total cost of the changes at 
$8,064.
Oversight assumes the DOR is provided with core funding to handle a certain amount of activity 
each year. Oversight assumes DOR could absorb the administrative costs related to this proposal. 
If multiple bills pass which require additional staffing and duties at substantial costs, DOR could 
request funding through the appropriation process.
Officials from the Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) state a potential unknown 
decrease of premium tax revenues (up to the tax credit limit established in the bill) in FY2026, 
FY2027, and FY2028 as a result of the modification of Youth Opportunities and Violence 
Prevention Act tax credits. Premium tax revenue is split 50/50 between General Revenue and 
County Foreign Insurance Fund except for domestic Stock Property and Casualty Companies 
who pay premium tax to the County Stock Fund. The County Foreign Insurance Fund is later 
distributed to school districts throughout the state. County Stock Funds are later distributed to the 
school district and county treasurer of the county in which the principal office of the insurer is 
located. It is unknown how each of these funds may be impacted by tax credits each year and 
which insurers will qualify for the modified tax credit.
§§ 210.112, 210.119, 210.145, 210.160, 210.560, 210.565, 210.762, 211.032, 211.211, 211.261 
& 211.462 - Child Protection
In response to similar legislation from the current session (SS for SB 43), officials from the 
Department of Social Services (DSS) state the following:
There is an anticipated fiscal impact to the Children’s Division to execute 210.119.1 RSMo. as 
drafted. In Calendar Year 2024 the Division spent $13,685,535 ($4,747,512 GR and $8,938,023) 
for 70 youth in Out of State Placements for an average of a 60-day placement, due to lack of 
placement options within the State of Missouri.  This is an average of $3,258.46 daily rate per 
youth.  In CY 2024 the Division spent $15,066,206 GR for children in hospitals beyond medical 
necessity.  This was for approximately 314 youths for an average of 22 days per youth.  The total 
current cost to house these youth is $28,751,741. ($19,813,718 GR and $8,938,023 FF)
It would take 4 programs to house these youth.  A residential program that would follow the 
DYS model would require an initial start-up cost of $9,218,844 GR and typically take about six  L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
Bill No. SS for HCS for HB Nos. 737 & 486 with SA1
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months to get it ready.  The Division estimates the on-going cost to operate this program would 
be $1,200 per day per youth.  Therefore, the on-going cost would be $17,520,000 (40 beds X 
$1,200 X 365 days) ($6,077,688 GR and $11,442,312 FF).  Below is a chart showing the costs 
and savings.
First year
On-goingGRFFGRFFSavings      
Out of state placements$13,685,535 $4,747,512 $8,938,023 Hospital Stay$15,066,206 $15,066,206   $28,751,741 $19,813,718 $8,938,023 
        Cost       
Start-up($9,218,844)($9,218,844) On-going($17,520,000)($6,077,688)($11,442,312)
        
Net($9,218,844)$0 $13,736,030 ($2,504,289)
Since the first year would be spent on start-up there would be no savings. 
 
It is difficult to estimate the daily cost of these facilities, so the Department is providing a first-
year cost of $9,218,844 and an on-going net savings to General Revenue up to $13,736,030 and 
net federal cost of up to $2,504,289 for services. 
In addition to the services listed above, the Department would need three staff consisting of one 
legal counsel, one program manager, and one program development specialist.  In order to 
receive federal reimbursement for these services, DSS would need to develop a rate approved by 
CMS.  The staff are needed to coordinate appropriate rate structure research and development 
and to work with CMS on rate structure approval to maximize federal reimbursement.  In 
addition, staff are needed for developing a structure for on-going service monitoring, oversight 
of the program, and appropriate licensure for federal reimbursement.
Children’s Division (CD) has reached out to federal partners in the Administration for Children 
and Families (ACF) and is awaiting a determination as to whether or not this proposed 
legislation may create a fiscal impact on CD’s entitlement to funding under the federal Child 
Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) and Title IV-E. An addendum will be submitted 
once DSS receives their response. L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
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There would appear to be no fiscal impact on CD in the underlying CAN cases in juvenile court, 
as the county/juvenile office usually pays for these contracted attorneys.
However, CD pays for the services of parents’ attorneys and the GAL in all TPR cases.  
Although it is not likely in many courts that an attorney for the child and a GAL would be 
appointed, there would be a fiscal impact on CD for the cost of paying for both counsel for a 
child and a GAL for a child, when typically at present only a GAL represents the child. 
So essentially in TPR cases, the fiscal impact for CD would be the fees of one additional attorney 
on the case in those cases where a court appointed both counsel for a child and a GAL.  If the 
judge chooses to appoint a GAL in addition to an attorney for the child in the TPR, the result 
would be additional attorney fees of approximately $7000 in each child's case, and this would 
include DLS and JO filed cases. There were 6,725 children who exited Family Centered Out-of-
Home (alternative/foster) Care according to 2023 Children’s Division Annual Report. Out of that 
number, there were 404 terminations of parental rights proceedings.  The worst-case scenario 
would be an anticipated fiscal impact of $2,828,000 (404 TPRs X $7000). However, it is 
unknown how many judges would appoint both an attorney and a GAL.        
It is permissive as to whether the court chooses to appoint a GAL as well as legal counsel.  It has 
also been a longstanding requirement for CAPTA grant funding that state child welfare agencies 
include in their CAPTA plans “provisions and procedures requiring that in every case involving 
a victim of child abuse or neglect which results in a judicial proceeding, a guardian ad litem, who 
has received training appropriate to the role, including training in early childhood, child, and 
adolescent development, and who may be an attorney or a court appointed special advocate who 
has received training appropriate to that role (or both), shall be appointed to represent the child in 
such proceedings (I) to obtain first-hand, a clear understanding of the situation and needs of the 
child; and (II) to make recommendations to the court concerning the best interests of the child.” 
42 U.S.C. s 5106a(b)(2)(B)(xiii).  See Erin Phillips, When parents Aren’t Enough: External 
Advocacy in Special Education, 117 Yale L.J. 1802, 1839 (2008) (“Since 1974, the Child Abuse 
Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) has conditioned the disbursement of CAPTA grants on 
the existence of a state law requiring the appointment of a guardian ad litem “in every case 
involving an abused or neglected child that results in a judicial proceeding.”) 
CD receives a total of $1.7 million annually in CAPTA grant funding.  The proposed legislation 
could impact an unknown amount of CAPTA grant funding. ACF has previously informed CD 
that the legislations proposed in this bill would impact CAPTA and CD would have to enter into 
a Program Improvement Plan (PIP) to come in compliance. The financial penalty would take 
place if they do not successfully complete the PIP.
In response to a similar proposal from the current session (SB 311), officials from the Office of 
Administration (OA), Information Technology Services Division (ITSD)/DSS
to the Division of Youth Services (DYS) and Family and Children Electronic System (FACES) 
applications would be required. L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
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OA, ITSD/DSS assumes every new IT project/system will be bid out because all ITSD resources 
are at full capacity. IT contract rates for the DYS and FACES applications are estimated at 
$105/hour. It is assumed the applications modifications will require 1,135.08 hours for a cost of 
$119,183 (1,135.08 * $105) for FY26 and on-going costs of $23,712 for FY27 and $24,305 for 
FY28. 
Oversight does not have any information to the contrary. Therefore, Oversight will reflect the 
costs provided by ITSD/DSS for fiscal note purposes.
In response to a similar proposal from the current session (SB 311), officials from the Office of 
Administration (OA), Facilities Management, Design and Construction (FMDC) stated the 
new program created for youth with severe behavioral challenges or severe developmental 
disabilities will cause FMDC Operations to experience additional costs based on the location that 
DSS is proposing. It will take 1.00 FTE, Specialized Trades Worker, and associated 
expenditures. The costs for fuel and utilities that would be expended at the location cannot be 
determined at this time since FMDC does not know the number of square feet the program would 
utilize. Therefore, FMDC’s estimate for this location would be $245,358 (FTE, fuel and 
utilities) to unknown starting in FY29 or FY30. FMDC anticipates the timeframe to complete 
the project would be 4 plus years based on completing a location study, waiting for appropriation 
funding, project design, and construction.
Given the project timeframes provided by DSS, Oversight assumes the additional costs for OA, 
FMDC could begin as early as FY 2028. Therefore, Oversight will reflect the estimates for FTE, 
fuel and utilities provided by the OA, FMDC as beginning in FY 2028.
In response to a similar proposal from the current session (SB 311), officials from the University 
of Missouri Health Care (MUHC) have reviewed the proposed legislation and determined that 
as written it should not create expenses in excess of $100,000 annually.
Oversight assumes the costs incurred by the MUHC related to this proposal can be absorbed 
within current resource levels.
§ 210.560 - Money held by the Children’s Division for the benefit of a child
In response to a previous version, officials from the Department of Social Services (DSS), 
Children’s Division (CD) state this bill requires CD to determine whether a child coming into 
the custody of the Division is eligible for or receiving U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, Social 
Security, or Veterans Administration benefits within 60 days of entering the Division's legal 
custody. 
The Division is required to apply for such benefits on the child's behalf if he or she is eligible, 
and shall only serve as a representative payee if no other candidate is suitable.  L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
Bill No. SS for HCS for HB Nos. 737 & 486 with SA1
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CD is required to annually review cases of children in the division's custody to determine 
whether a child may have become eligible for benefits after the division's initial assessment.
Currently, money in the child's accounts may be used by CD to pay for care or services for the 
child. 
Under this act, such money shall not be used to pay for care or services for the child. However, 
U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, Social Security, or Veterans Administration benefits may be 
used by the Division for the child's unmet needs beyond what the Division is otherwise obligated 
to pay.
Finally, the accounts in which the child's benefits shall be placed shall be established in a manner 
consistent with federal and state asset and resource limits.
Research on November 6, 2024, for the month of October 2024 showed the following: 
619 youths in foster care receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI); 
593 youths in care receive Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI); and 
75 youths in care receive both types of benefit
Currently, KIDS accounts (money held by others for the benefit of a child) include both SSI and 
OASDI benefit types. In FY 2024, CD had expenditures in the amount of $10,697,457 using 
KIDS accounts on foster care maintenance and services for the child. These funds would need to 
be replaced to pay for the care of the child. Some of the costs could be eligible for federal match 
from other programs such as Title IV-E and TANF. The expected federal match rate overall is 
27.16%. The impact due to the loss of these revenues based on the current earnings rate would be 
as follows:
$7,792,028 GR
          +$2,905,429  Federal
$10,697,457 Total
Additionally, the Department’s federal earning rate of 27.16% could increase with the decrease 
of SSI and OASDI benefits.
Therefore, for the impact of reduction of SSI and OASDI revenues, the Department is projecting 
unknown but up to $10,697,457 cost.
Children’s Division can set up ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts for children 
in care, when CD is the payee. However, the Children’s Division does not have staff in place to 
supervise the continuing management of these accounts when they leave CD custody. Therefore, 
additional resources would be needed to establish accounts where CD is not the payee and to 
manage the ABLE accounts. L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
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The bill, as drafted, requires CD to annually review cases of kids in care to determine if they are 
eligible for benefits, and to apply for benefits on behalf of the child if CD determines that the 
child is eligible. The Department of Social Services and the Children’s Division do not have 
sufficient staff and resources to implement the statute as written. DSS has determined that it 
would need to enter into contracts with qualified lawyers and/or companies to effectively 
implement this proposed statute. 
There are lawyers and private companies that handle these types of cases on behalf of children 
and adults. They have the training, experience and staff to handle these cases. If the program is 
structured properly, they will also be able to ensure that there is continuity of assistance and 
representation if the child is discharged from CD custody or ages out of the system. Therefore, 
DSS would need to enter into contracts to administer this program.
The Division does not know yet how this contract would be structured.  Therefore, the cost to 
implement is unknown.  
Since the estimate of lost revenues is most likely high, and the cost to implement is 
unknown, the Department is providing an impact of unknown, but cost could be up to 
$10,697,457 ($7,792,028 GR; $2,905,429 Federal).
Oversight does not have information to the contrary and therefore, Oversight will reflect the 
estimates as provided by the DSS, CD.
In response to a similar proposal from the 2024 Session (HCS for HB 2227), officials from the 
Office of Administration - Budget and Planning deferred to DSS for the potential fiscal 
impact of this proposal. 
In response to a previous version, officials from the Administrative Hearing Commission, the 
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the St. Louis County Police 
Department, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Office of 
Administration, and the University Of Central Missouri each assume the proposal will have 
no fiscal impact on their respective organizations. Oversight does not have any information to 
the contrary. Therefore, Oversight will reflect a zero impact in the fiscal note for these agencies.  
In response to a previous version, officials from the Northwest Missouri State University 
assumed the proposal would have no fiscal impact on their organization.  
In response to a similar proposal from the 2024 Session (HCS for HB 2227), officials from the 
Office of the State Courts Administrator and the Office of the State Treasurer each assumed 
the proposal would have no fiscal impact on their respective organizations. Oversight does not 
have any information to the contrary. Therefore, Oversight will reflect a zero impact in the fiscal 
note for these agencies.
§§477.700, 477.705, 477.710 & 477.715 – Child and Family Legal Representation  L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
Bill No. SS for HCS for HB Nos. 737 & 486 with SA1
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In response to a similar proposal from the current session (SB 43), officials from the Office of 
Administration - Budget and Planning (B&P) assumed §477.710 creates the Child and Family 
Legal Representation Fund. This fund may hold gifts, contributions, grants, bequests, or other aid 
received from federal, private, or other sources. To the extent that gifts, contributions, grants, 
bequests, or other aid received from federal, private, or other sources are deposited into this fund, 
Total State Revenue may increase by an unknown amount.
In response to a similar proposal from the current session (SS for SB 43), officials from Office of 
the State Courts Administrator (OSCA) stated the “Child and Family Legal Representation 
Coordinating Board” shall be composed of nine members. The members shall serve without 
compensation but shall be reimbursed out of funds appropriated for this purpose for actual and 
reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. It is unclear who will pay the 
attorney fees associated with representing the children. OSCA presumes that the counties would 
be responsible for paying the child's attorney fees in the same manner that the counties currently 
pay for guardians’ ad litem. There may be additional impact but there is no way to quantify that 
currently. Any significant changes will be reflected in future budget requests.  
Oversight notes §477.700 creates the “Child and Family Legal Representation Coordinating 
Board” within the Missouri Supreme Court. The Board, consisting of nine members appointed 
by the Supreme Court as specified in the act, shall have the responsibility to collaborate with the 
various judicial circuits, judges, attorneys and other state departments or agencies to ensure 
uniform, high-quality legal representation to children. The “Child and Family Legal 
Representation Fund” is also created in the State Treasury to fund the work of this office. 
In response to a similar proposal from the current session (SB 43), officials from the Office of 
the State Treasurer (STO) assumed 1 FTE (Treasury Coordinator) is needed to handle the 
potential activity from this proposal. 
Oversight assumes STO is provided with core funding to handle a certain amount of activity 
each year. Oversight assumes STO could absorb the costs related to this proposal. If multiple 
bills pass which require additional staffing and duties at substantial costs, STO could request 
funding through the appropriation process.
§ 537.046 – Nondisclosure Agreements in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
In response to similar legislation from this year (HB 709), officials from the Office of the State 
Courts AdministratorDepartment of Health and Senior Services, the Department of 
Corrections, the Department of Social ServicesOffice of the State Public Defender 
each assumed the proposal will have no fiscal impact on their respective organizations. 
Oversight does not have any information to the contrary. Therefore, Oversight will reflect a zero 
impact in the fiscal note for these agencies.  
§ 568.045 – Child Endangerment in the First Degree L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
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In response to similar legislation from the current session (SS for SB 43), officials from the 
Department of Corrections (DOC) assume the increase in the minimum age under which a 
person can be considered to be endangered as a child in the first degree could create additional 
instances in which a person could be charged with a crime under this section. However, there is 
no available data to determine the number of 17 year olds to whom this could have potentially 
applied. Therefore the impact is an unknown cost.
Oversight does not have information to the contrary and therefore, Oversight will reflect the 
estimates as provided by the DOC.
§§ 451.040, 451.080 & 451.090 – Age of Marriage 
In response to similar legislation from 2024, SCS for SB Nos. 767 & 1342, officials from the 
Mississippi County Recorder of Deeds Office assumed a slight impact, but the benefits of the 
proposal would outweigh the little loss that the office may incur.
Oversight assumes the Mississippi County Recorder of Deeds Office’s impact would be 
minimal for this proposal and will reflect no fiscal impact.
In response to similar legislation from this year, Perfected SS for SB 66, officials from the 
Department of Social Services and the Department of Health and Senior Services each 
assumed the proposal will have no fiscal impact on their respective organizations. Oversight 
does not have any information to the contrary. Therefore, Oversight will reflect a zero impact in 
the fiscal note for these agencies.  
Oversight only reflects the responses received from state agencies and political subdivisions; 
however, other counties, St. Louis City and other county recorders of deeds were requested to 
respond to this proposed legislation but did not. A listing of political subdivisions included in the 
Missouri Legislative Information System (MOLIS) database is available upon request.
Oversight notes the number of marriages from the Provisional Vital Statistics Report on the 
Department of Health and Senior Services website over the last 5 years:
Calendar YearsNumber of Marriages
Both Under the Age 
of 18
2024 ending April7,508N/A202333,684N/A202236,10351202137,25487202034,42568201936,63671 L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
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Oversight assumes there would be a minimal loss to County Recorder of Deeds offices; 
therefore, Oversight will reflect no fiscal impact.
Responses regarding the proposed legislation as a whole as amended
Officials from the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Natural Resources, the 
Department of Public Safety – Director’s Office, the Missouri Department of 
Transportation, the Missouri House of RepresentativesMissouri Office of Prosecution 
ServicesBranson Police Department, the Kansas City Police Department, each assume 
the proposal will have no fiscal impact on their respective organizations. Oversight does not 
have any information to the contrary. Therefore, Oversight will reflect a zero impact in the fiscal 
note for these agencies.  
In response to the underlying bill, officials from the Department of Higher Education and 
Workforce Development assumed the proposal would have no fiscal impact on their 
organization. Oversight does not have any information to the contrary. Therefore, Oversight will 
reflect a zero impact in the fiscal note.  
In response to a previous version, officials from the Department of Public Safety - Missouri 
Highway PatrolPhelps County Sheriff’s Department
would have no fiscal impact on their respective organizations. Oversight does not have any 
information to the contrary. Therefore, Oversight will reflect a zero impact in the fiscal note for 
these agencies.  
In response to the underlying bill, officials from the Office of Attorney General (AGO) 
assumed any potential litigation costs arising from this proposal can be absorbed with existing 
resources. The AGO may seek additional appropriations if the proposal results in a significant 
increase in litigation or investigation costs.
Oversight does not have any information to the contrary. Therefore, Oversight assumes the 
AGO will be able to perform any additional duties required by this proposal with current staff 
and resources and will reflect no fiscal impact to the AGO for fiscal note purposes.
In response to similar legislation from the current session (SS for SB 43), officials from the 
Department of Economic DevelopmentDepartment of Elementary and Secondary 
Education, the Department of Health and Senior Services, the Joint Committee on 
Administrative Rules, the Missouri Senate, the Office of the State Public Defender, and the 
Office of the State Treasurer each assumed the proposal would have no fiscal impact on their 
respective organizations. Oversight does not have any information to the contrary. Therefore, 
Oversight will reflect a zero impact in the fiscal note for these agencies.  
In response to a similar proposal from the current session (SB 43), officials from the Office of 
the State Public Defender L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
Bill No. SS for HCS for HB Nos. 737 & 486 with SA1
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organizations. Oversight does not have any information to the contrary. Therefore, Oversight 
will reflect a zero impact in the fiscal note for these agencies.  
Oversight only reflects the responses received from state agencies and political subdivisions; 
however, other cities, county officials, law enforcement agencies, schools and colleges were 
requested to respond to this proposed legislation but did not. A listing of political subdivisions 
included in the Missouri Legislative Information System (MOLIS) database is available upon 
request.
Rule Promulgation
In response to a similar proposal from the current session (SB 311), officials from the Joint 
Committee on Administrative Rules assumed this proposal is not anticipated to cause a fiscal 
impact beyond its current appropriation. 
In response to a previous version from the Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) noted many 
bills considered by the General Assembly include provisions allowing or requiring agencies to 
submit rules and regulations to implement the act. The SOS is provided with core funding to 
handle a certain amount of normal activity resulting from each year's legislative session. The 
fiscal impact for this fiscal note to the SOS for Administrative Rules is less than $5,000. The 
SOS recognizes that this is a small amount and does not expect that additional funding would be 
required to meet these costs. However, the SOS also recognizes that many such bills may be 
passed by the General Assembly in a given year and that collectively the costs may be in excess 
of what the office can sustain with its core budget. Therefore, the SOS reserves the right to 
request funding for the cost of supporting administrative rules requirements should the need arise 
based on a review of the finally approved bills signed by the governor.
Senate Amendment 1 - § 210.1012 - Modifies Amber Alert System to include abducted or 
missing Black youth
In response to similar legislation from the current session (SB 611), officials from the 
Department of Health and Senior Services, the Department of Public Safety (Capitol Police 
and Missouri Highway Patrol), the Department of Social Services, the Missouri Department 
of Conservation, the Office of the State Public Defender, the Phelps County Sheriff’s 
Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, and the Missouri Lottery each 
assumed the proposal would have no fiscal impact on their respective organizations. Oversight 
does not have any information to the contrary. Therefore, Oversight will reflect a zero impact in 
the fiscal note for these agencies.   L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
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FISCAL IMPACT – State 
Government
FY 2026
(10 Mo.)
FY 2027FY 2028GENERAL REVENUESavings – DSS (§ 210.119.1) Housing Youth 
in Out of State Placements and Hospitals  p. 
5-7 $0$19,813,718$19,813,718
Transfer Out - OSCA (§ 477.710)  
Appropriation to the Child and Family Legal 
Representation Fund p. 11 (Unknown) (Unknown) (Unknown)
Cost – DSS, CD (§ 210.119.1) Housing 
youth under 4 programs p. p. 5-7($9,218,844)($6,077,688)($6,077,688)
Cost – DSS (§ 210.119.1) p. 5-7  Personnel Service ($98,503)($119,386)($120,580)  Fringe Benefits($56,953)($68,802)($69,265)  One Time E&E($10,342)$0$0  On-going Expense & Equipment($13,897)($17,094)($17,521)  ITSD Costs($59,591)($11,856)($12,152)Total Costs - DSS($239,286)($217,138)($219,518)FTE Change1.5 FTE1.5 FTE1.5 FTECost – DSS (§§ 210.112 to 211.462) 
Additional costs if judge appoints both a 
GAL and attorney p. 5-7
$0 to 
(Unknown)
$0 to 
(Unknown)
$0 to 
(Unknown)
Cost – DSS, CD (§ 210.560) Program 
Implementation p. 9-10(Unknown)(Unknown)(Unknown)
Loss – DSS (§§ 210.112 to 211.462)
 Potential loss of CAPTA funding because of 
certain requirements that must be met p. 5-7
$0 or 
(Unknown)
$0 or 
(Unknown)
$0 or 
(Unknown)
Loss - DSS, CD (§ 210.560) Reduction of 
SSI and OASDI revenues p. 9-10
Up to 
($7,792,028)
Up to 
($7,792,028)
Up to 
($7,792,028)
Cost – DOC (§ 568.045) Potential increase in 
incarcerations with a change in age from 17 
to 18 for p. 7(Unknown)(Unknown)(Unknown) L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
Bill No. SS for HCS for HB Nos. 737 & 486 with SA1
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FISCAL IMPACT – State 
Government
FY 2026
(10 Mo.)
FY 2027FY 2028Revenue Reduction – (§ 135.460) Youth 
Opportunity Program YOP (change in credit 
from 50% to 70%) SA 5 p. 9
Could 
exceed 
($1,170,759)
Could exceed 
($1,170,759)
Could exceed 
($1,170,759)
ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON 
GENERAL REVENUE
(Unknown, 
more or less 
than 
$18,420,917)
More or Less 
than 
$4,556,105 to 
(Unknown)
More or Less 
than 
$4,553,725 to 
(Unknown)
Estimated Net FTE Change on General 
Revenue1.5 FTE1.5 FTE1.5 FTE
STATE FACILITY MAINTENANCE 
AND OPERATION FUND (0501)
Cost – OA, FMDC (§ 210.119) p. 8  Personal service$0$0($87,169)  Fringe benefits$0$0($50,729)  Equipment and expense – One time$0$0($76,985)  Location study & building costs
$0$0
Likely to 
exceed 
($245,358)
   Fuel & utilities at the location$0$0(Unknown)Total Costs - OA, FMDC
$0$0
Likely to 
exceed 
($460,241)
   FTE Changes001 FTEESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON STATE 
FACILITY MAINTENANCE AND 
OPERATION FUND$0$0
Likely to 
exceed 
($460,241)
Estimated Net FTE Change on the State 
Facility Maintenance and Operation Fund001 FTE
CHILD AND FAMILY LEGAL 
REPRESENTATION FUND L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
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FISCAL IMPACT – State 
Government
FY 2026
(10 Mo.)
FY 2027FY 2028Income – (§ 477.705) Gifts, grants, bequests, 
or contributions p. 11UnknownUnknownUnknown
Transfer In – (§ 477.710) Appropriation 
from General Revenue p. 11UnknownUnknownUnknown
Costs – (§ 477.710) admin costs and 
distributions from the Child and Family 
Legal Representation Coordinating Board to 
various judicial circuits p. 11(Unknown)(Unknown)(Unknown)
ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON THE 
CHILD AND FAMILY 
REPRESENTATION FUND$0$0$0
FEDERAL FUNDSIncome - DSS (§ 210.119.1) Program 
Reimbursement
Unknown, 
more or less 
than 
$239,290
Unknown, 
more or less 
than 
$2,721,429
Unknown, 
more or less 
than 
$2,723,810
Income – DSS, CD (§ 210.560) 
Reimbursement for Program Implementation 
p. 9-10UnknownUnknownUnknown
Savings – DSS (§ 210.119.1) Housing Youth 
in Out of State Placements and Hospitals p. 
5-6 $0$8,938,023$8,938,023
Savings - DSS, CD (§ 210.560) Reduction of 
SSI and OASDI disbursements p. 9-10
Up to 
$2,905,429
Up to 
$2,905,429
Up to 
$2,905,429
Costs – DSS (§ 210.119.1) To house youth 
under 4 programs p. 5-6$0($11,442,312)($11,442,312) L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
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FISCAL IMPACT – State 
Government
FY 2026
(10 Mo.)
FY 2027FY 2028Costs – DSS (§ 210.119.1) p. 3-5  Personnel Service ($98,504)($119,387)($120,580)  Fringe Benefits($56,954)($68,803)($69,266)  One Time E&E($10,342)$0$0  On-going Expense & Equipment($13,898)($17,094)($17,522)  ITSD Costs($59,592)($11,856)($12,153)Total Costs - DSS($239,290)($217,140)($219,521)FTE Change1.5 FTE1.5 FTE1.5 FTECosts – DSS (§§ 210.112 to 211.462) 
additional costs if judge appoints both a 
GAL and attorney p. 5-7
$0 to 
(Unknown)
$0 to 
(Unknown)
$0 to 
(Unknown)
Costs – DSS, CD (§ 210.560) Program 
Implementation p. 9-10(Unknown)(Unknown)(Unknown)
Loss – DSS – (§§ 210.112 to 211.462) 
potential loss of CAPTA funding because of 
certain requirements that must be met p. 5-7
$0 or 
(Unknown)
$0 or 
(Unknown)
$0 or 
(Unknown)
Loss - DSS, CD (§ 210.560) Reduction of 
SSI and OASDI revenues p. 9-10
Up to 
($2,905,429)
Up to 
($2,905,429)
Up to 
($2,905,429)
ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON 
FEDERAL FUNDS$0$0$0
Estimated Net FTE Change on 
Federal Funds1.5 FTE1.5 FTE1.5 FTE
FISCAL IMPACT – Local GovernmentFY 2026
(10 Mo.)
FY 2027FY 2028COUNTIES L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
Bill No. SS for HCS for HB Nos. 737 & 486 with SA1
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FISCAL IMPACT – Local GovernmentFY 2026
(10 Mo.)
FY 2027FY 2028Costs – Counties (§§ 210.112, to 
211.462) potential child attorney or 
GAL costs p. 7
$0 or 
(Unknown)
$0 or
(Unknown)
$0 or 
(Unknown)
ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON 
COUNTIES
$0 or 
(Unknown)
$0 or
(Unknown)
$0 or 
(Unknown)
FISCAL IMPACT – Small Business
Small businesses that qualify for the credit may be positively impacted as a result of this 
proposal. (§135.460)
FISCAL DESCRIPTION
Current law authorizes a tax credit in the amount of 50% of contributions made to certain youth 
programs. This act increases such tax credit to 70% of the amount of such contributions made. 
(§ 135.460)
Under this act, the Department of Social Services shall establish a program to provide a 
comprehensive system of service delivery, education, and residential care for youth with severe 
behavioral challenges. In order to be eligible for the program, a youth shall be under 21 years of 
age, in the custody of the Department of Social Services, and a team in the Department shall 
have made a determination that the needs of the youth cannot be met with existing programs.
The Department shall have the authority to contract with qualified services providers to provide 
services to the youth under this act. Such service providers shall be certified, licensed, or 
accredited in their respective fields of service, based in Missouri, and entities with proven 
experience in the areas for which they shall provide services.
A qualified service provider providing services under this act shall have immunity as specified in 
the act.
The Department shall be authorized to enter into memoranda of understanding with any facility 
or campus under state ownership that is appropriate for the program and youth being served.
(§ 210.119)
Beginning January 1, 2028, unless operating under a pilot project established by the Missouri 
Supreme Court, a judge shall appoint a child's counsel instead of a guardian ad litem (GAL) for 
children in certain proceedings who are at least 14 years but less than 18 years of age. If the child 
has a GAL at the time of his or her 14th birthday, that GAL shall automatically become the 
child's counsel, unless the judge determines that it is necessary to continue the GAL appointment  L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
Bill No. SS for HCS for HB Nos. 737 & 486 with SA1
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due as specified in the act. The same attorney may serve as a GAL and child's counsel for a 
sibling group of varying ages, unless the attorney or judge finds a conflict of interest.
This act creates the "Child and Family Legal Representation Coordinating Commission" within 
the judicial branch, with nine members appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court with 
duties as described in the act, including working cooperatively with the various judicial circuits, 
judicial personnel, attorneys, and state departments and agencies to ensure uniform, high-quality 
legal representation for children or families involved in legal proceedings and making 
recommendations to the Missouri Supreme Court concerning the establishment or modification 
of minimum training requirements and practice standards for attorneys serving as guardians ad 
litem, children's counsel, or parent's counsel.
The Coordinating Commission may also develop, coordinate, and evaluate pilot projects relating 
to guardians ad litem, children's counsel, or parent's counsel and outcomes relating to the various 
models of representation, as well as implementation of the children's counsel appointment 
provisions of this act.
This act creates the "Child and Family Legal Representation Fund" in the state treasury, to be 
distributed by the Coordinating Commission to the judicial circuits for the purpose of improving 
or providing legal representation for children or families, including the appointment of guardians 
ad litem, children's counsel, or parent's counsel.
Under this act, a circuit may participate in a pilot project established by the Missouri Supreme 
Court relating to guardians ad litem, children's counsel, or parent's counsel, in which case a judge 
may appoint a child's counsel instead of a guardian ad litem. This provision shall expire on 
January 1, 2028. (§§ 210.145, 210.160, 210.560, 210.565, 210.762, 211.032, 211.211, 211.261, 
211.462, 477.700, 477.705, 477.710 and 477.715)
This bill specifies that in the case of benefits administered by the Railroad Retirement Board, the 
Social Security Administration, or the Veterans Administration, the Children's Division is 
required to determine whether a child in custody of the Division is receiving or otherwise 
eligible to receive such benefits within 60 days after placement into custody. 
The Division is to apply for benefits on behalf of the child, if the child is deemed to be eligible, 
and if benefits are already being received before placement into the Division's custody or the 
Division applies for benefits on behalf of the child, the Division is responsible for identifying a 
representative payee and must apply to become such if no other suitable candidate is available.
Any moneys received by the Division and in the account of a child are prohibited from being 
expended by the Division for certain services or care. However, this bill provides that the 
Division may use the benefits administered by the Railroad Retirement Board, the Social 
Security Administration, or the Veterans Administration for the child's unmet needs, as are 
defined in the bill, beyond what the Division is required or agrees to pay. (§ 210.560) L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
Bill No. SS for HCS for HB Nos. 737 & 486 with SA1
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This legislation is not federally mandated and would not duplicate any other program. It would  
require additional capital improvements and rental space.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Attorney General’s Office
Department of Commerce and Insurance
Department of Corrections
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Department of Health and Senior Services
Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
Department of Mental Health
Department of Natural Resources
Department of Public Safety
Director’s Office
Missouri Highway Patrol
Department of Revenue
Department of Social Services
Joint Committee on Administrative Rules
Missouri Department of Transportation
Missouri House of Representatives
Missouri Office of Prosecution Services
Missouri Senate
Office of Administration
Administrative Hearing Commission
 Budget and Planning
Office of the Secretary of State
Office of the State Courts Administrator
Office of the State Public Defender
Office of the State Treasurer
Mississippi County Recorder of Deeds Office
Phelps County Sheriff’s Department
Branson Police Department
Kansas City Police Department L.R. No. 1974S.07A 
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St. Louis County Police Department
Northwest Missouri State University
University Of Central Missouri
Julie MorffJessica HarrisDirectorAssistant DirectorMarch 12, 2025March 12, 2025