COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH

OVERSIGHT DIVISION

FISCAL NOTE

L.R. No.: 1073-01

Bill No.: HB 332

Subject: Economic Development Dept.; Licenses - Professional

Type: Original

Date: February 17, 2003

FISCAL SUMMARY

Numbers within parentheses: ( ) indicate costs or losses.

This fiscal note contains 4 pages.

ASSUMPTION

Officials from the Department of Social Services, Department of Mental Health and the Department of Corrections did not respond to our fiscal impact request.

Officials from the Office of the State Public Defender, Office of the State Courts Administrator, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education assume the proposal would have no fiscal impact on their agencies.

Officials from the Administrative Hearing Commission (AHC) anticipate this proposal will not significantly alter its caseload.

Officials from the Office of Prosecution Services indicate any costs to prosecutors resulting from this proposal could be absorbed.

Officials from the Department of Economic Development - Division of Professional Registration state having reviewed the proposed legislation and having sought the conclusion of the appropriate board(s), they are of the opinion this fiscal note in its present form, has no fiscal impact to our division. However, if any individual, government entities, public or private agency or organization violates any provision of section 337.604 the board shall impose a fine of not less ASSUMPTION (continued)

than $1,000 which would increase the Social Work Fund, which in turn would increase total state revenue.

Oversight assumes revenue from fines paid would go to the Social Work Fund; however, the proposal doesn't require any individual or agency to disobey the law. Oversight assumes individuals and public and private agencies will comply with the provisions of the proposal and therefore assumes no direct fiscal impact on state funds.

FISCAL IMPACT - Small Business

Small businesses who employ "social workers," either in a paid or unpaid status, may realize an administrative impact resulting from ensuring such staff are accredited according to the requirements of this proposal. Small business who violate this provision may be imposed a fine of a minimum of $1,000.

DESCRIPTION

This proposal prohibits any person from holding themselves out as being a social worker or using the title of "social worker" unless the person holds a current license in baccalaureate or clinical

social work issued by the State Committee for Social Workers or holds a degree from an accredited social work program approved by the Council on Social Work Education.

Beginning January 1, 2004, no entity, public or private, may use the title of "social worker" for volunteer or employment positions within contracts for services, documents, manuals, or reference material unless those persons being referred to have met all educational requirements set forth by the proposal. Any individual, government entity, public or private agency or organization who violates the abovementioned provisions, which shall be regulated by the board who shall impose a fine of not less than $1,000 or may seek any other course of action the board deems appropriate.

This proposal also defines "social worker."

This proposal is not federally mandated, would not duplicate any other program and would not require additional capital improvements or rental space.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Office of the State Public Defender

Office of the State Courts Administrator

Missouri State Highway Patrol

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Office of Administration - Administrative Hearing Commission

Office of Prosecution Services

Department of Economic Development - Division of Professional Registration

NOT RESPONDING

Department of Social Services

Department of Mental Health

Department of Corrections

Mickey Wilson, CPA

Director

February 17, 2003