Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports if they are used for other purposes.

 

Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are available on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us).  Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not.  Previously issued FIRs and attachments may also be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

 

F I S C A L    I M P A C T    R E P O R T

 

SPONSOR

Vigil

DATE TYPED

2/18/04

HB

HJM 102

 

SHORT TITLE

Grandparent Decisions on Adopted Children

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST

Maloy

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY04

FY05

FY04

FY05

 

NFI

 

See Narrative

Recurring

General Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

LFC Files

 

SUMMARY

 

Synopsis of Bill

 

House Joint Memorial 102 states:

 

  • Parents sometimes must put their children up for adoption because of financial situations, abusive living situations, and the like.

 

  • These children deserve loving homes.

 

  • Capable grandparents often desire to adopt the children, are in the position to provide a loving and caring home, and are the logical choice to raise the children.

 

On these premises, the memorial resolves:

 

  • The Children, Youth and Families Department be requested to give grandparents first priority when determine who should have custody of children whose parents put them up for adoption.   

 

 

 

 

 

Significant Issues

 

There should be a clear distinction between adoptions that occur because of situations outlined in this memorial (i.e., situations that give rise to intervention by the Children, Youth and Families Department), and newborns whose birthparents seek to have them adopted into “anonymous” loving homes.  Grandparents should not be permitted to block intentions of a birthparent wanting an anonymous placement.      

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

This memorial does not contain an appropriation.  It may result in savings through simplified administrative processes, the quicker placement of children and fewer children requiring state services.

 

SJM/dm