HB 108 -- MISSOURI CASA FUND

CO-SPONSORS:  Clayton, Dougherty

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on Children, Families and Health by a vote of 14 to 0.

This bill establishes the Missouri CASA Fund in the state
treasury to support the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
Program throughout the state.  The State Treasurer must credit
the fund with appropriations, gifts, contributions, grants, and
bequests that are earmarked for the fund.  The State Courts
Administrator will administer the fund according to the bill's
guidelines.

FISCAL NOTE:  Loss to General Revenue Fund in Unknown for FY
2002, FY 2003, and FY 2004.  Net Effect on Missouri CASA Fund is
$0 in FY 2002, FY 2003, and FY 2004.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the purpose of the Missouri
CASA Program is to improve the lives of abused and neglected
children in Missouri.  Trained volunteers conduct research and
advocate for children in the foster care system before judges
concerning placement, parental visitation, and other services.
Supporters also state that numerous children are not being
served by the program due to a lack of funds.  The fund will
allow more children to receive services.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Clayton; Missouri
CASA Association; and Douglass Community Services.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:42 am