COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH

OVERSIGHT DIVISION

FISCAL NOTE

L.R. No.: 0843-06

Bill No.: Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed SCS for HCS for HB 185

Subject: Children and Minors; Crimes and Punishment; Law Enforcement Officers and Agencies; Public Safety Department.

Type: Original

Date: May 19, 2003

FISCAL SUMMARY

Numbers within parentheses: ( ) indicate costs or losses.

This fiscal note contains 6 pages.

ASSUMPTION

Officials from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) state this proposal establishes both local and statewide abduction-alert programs. MoDOT state it is not designated as a state-emergency-alert-system broadcaster, however, MoDOT can voluntarily utilize its message devices (Changeable Message Signs and Dynamic Message Signs) for displaying abduction-alert messages. MoDOT assumes that it will not purchase new devices for the primary purpose of displaying such messages, and therefore, assume this proposal would not fiscally impact their agency.

Officials from the Office of Secretary of State (SOS) assume there would be costs due to additional publishing duties related to the Department of Public Safety's authority to promulgate rules, regulations, and forms. SOS estimates the division could require as many as 10 new pages of regulations in the Code of State Regulations at a cost of $27.00 per page, and 15 new pages in the Missouri Register at a cost of $23.00 per page. Costs due to this proposal are estimated to be $615, however, the actual fiscal impact would be dependent upon the actual rule-making authority and may be more or less.

ASSUMPTION (continued)

Financial impact in subsequent fiscal years would depend entirely on the number, length, and frequency of the rules filed, amended, rescinded, or withdrawn. SOS does not anticipate the need for additional staff as a result of this proposal, however, the enactment of more than one similar proposal may, in the aggregate, necessitate additional staff.

Oversight assumes the SOS could absorb the costs of printing and distributing regulations related to this proposal. If multiple bills pass which require the printing and distribution of regulations at substantial costs, the SOS could request funding through the appropriation process. Any decisions to raise fees to defray costs would likely be made in subsequent fiscal years.

Officials from the Department of Public Safety - Missouri Highway Patrol (MHP) state that according to their Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC), a temporary 1,000 hour employee would be needed for the initial set-up of the alert system. The cost per hour for the employee is estimated to be $8.18, therefore, totaling $8,180 (1,000 hours x $8.18) in the first year. After completing the initial set-up, the duties of the alert system and the committee would be absorbed within DDCC.

In response to an previous version of this proposal, the MHP had assumed the need for 1 FTE to fulfill the duties of this legislation. However, the MHP states that Executive Order 02-17 was enacted last year and upon reviewing the current duties performed by the Patrol, compared to the duties required by the proposed legislation, it was determined that a full-time FTE would not be necessary. Rather, a temporary employee could establish the initial set-up. Upon completion of the initial set-up, the duties required by the legislation would be absorbed within DDCC. Therefore, this fiscal note has been reduced to reflect those changes.

Officials from the Department of Public Safety - Director's Office state that their department would be responsible to coordinate with local law enforcement agencies and public commercial television and radio broadcasters. Currently, the Highway Patrol coordinates the Missouri ALERT system, therefore this proposal would not fiscally impact the Director's Office.

In response to a similar proposal from this year, officials from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Springfield Police Department each stated this proposal would not fiscally impact their respective agencies.

ASSUMPTION (continued)

In response to a previous version of this proposal, officials from the Missouri Lottery Commission assumed this proposal would not fiscally impact their agency.

FISCAL IMPACT - Small Business

No direct fiscal impact to small businesses would be expected as a result of this proposal.

DESCRIPTION

This proposal creates the Amber Alert System. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) shall develop a system whereby the state will be divided into regions who shall provide a coordinated effort

between local law enforcement agencies and local media within the region to aid in the identification and location of abducted persons. If a local entity does not have an alert system in place, DPS will notify local media in their region, who by prearranged plan will issue an alert.

The Amber Alert System shall include all state agencies capable of providing information to the public which at a minimum shall include the Department of Public Safety, Highway Patrol, Department of

DESCRIPTION (continued)

Transportation, Department of Health and Senior Services, and Missouri Lottery.

The Department of Public Safety will have authority to notify other regions upon the verification that the criteria established by the Amber Alert System Oversight Committee has been met. Participation in a

Amber Alert System is entirely at the option of the local law enforcement agency and media.

The proposal establishes an Oversight Committee who will be responsible for the development of criteria and procedures for the Amber Alert System. The Oversight Committee will be housed in the Department of Public Safety.

The Alert Missouri System Oversight Committee will be chaired by the Director of Public Safety. Seven members will be appointed by the Governor with advice and consent of the Senate and will serve staggered four year terms. The Oversight Committee will also include a representative of the Highway Patrol and a representative of the Department of Health and Senior Services. The seven members appointed by the Governor shall include the following representatives: two from the Missouri Sheriff's Association; two from the Missouri Police Chief's Association; one large market radio broadcaster; one small market radio broadcaster and one television broadcaster. Members shall not be compensated except for actual and necessary expenses.

This legislation is not federally mandated and would not require additional capital improvements or rental space. The proposal may duplicate other programs that are currently in place. Alert Missouri is administered by the Department of Public Safety and was issued by Executive Order 02-17.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Public Safety

Director's Office

Missouri Highway Patrol

Office of the Secretary of State

Department of Transportation

Springfield Police Department

St. Louis Police Department

Missouri Lottery Commission

Mickey Wilson, CPA

Director

May 19, 2003