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| SPONSOR: | Larranaga | DATE TYPED: | 02/19/01 | HB | 732 | ||
| SHORT TITLE: | Fatherlessness Study | SB | |||||
| ANALYST: | Chabot | ||||||
| Recurring
or Non-Rec |
Fund
Affected | ||||
| FY01 | FY02 | FY01 | FY02 | ||
| $ 125.0 | Non-Recurring | General Fund | |||
(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
LFC Files
Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD)
Commission of the Status of Women (CSW)
SUMMARY
Synopsis of Bill
This bill appropriates $125.0 from the general fund to CYFD for the purpose of conducting a comprehensive research study on the effect of fatherlessness in New Mexico, to develop a publicity campaign to reduce fatherlessness, and present findings to an appropriate legislative interim committee and key community organizations, with a written report to the Legislature.
Significant Issues
CSW states the "no definition is given to fatherlessness or what it encompasses or the reasons for needing a research study or campaign to alleviate the condition. In addition, they question if fatherlessness takes precedence over motherlessness. CYFD's response does not provide specifics about the problem of fatherlessness or how they will conduct a study unless it is done by contract.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS
The appropriation of $125.0 contained in this bill is a non-recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2002 shall revert to the general fund.
ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS
CYFD will need to identify key community organizations that are interested in the outcome of this study. It will have to define the term fatherlessness and determine the scope of the study. A study schedule will need to be developed and, when the study is complete, what will be the best method to publicize the results. In addition, they will have to develop an action plan for reducing fatherlessness in New Mexico and make a formal report to the Legislature.
TECHNICAL ISSUES
The bill should be amended to include which interim committees CYFD will need to report to and page 2, line 2 add "forty-sixth" before Legislature.
GAC/njw