We are about to start Week 5 of this General Assembly session and continue advocating for improved policies involving foster care, adoption and youth aging out of foster care. Here’s a look at where some of our priority bills stand heading into Week 5.
Codifying Fostering Futures: The Senate has passed their version of this bill, carried by Senator Favola, in Week 3. The House bill, carried by Delegate Keam, passed Health Welfare & Institutions Social Services subcommittee last week and we expect it to be heard in the full Health Welfare & Institutions committee this week, and the ultimately will go to the House floor for a vote.
Establishing a State-Funded Kinship Care Program: HB920, carried by Delegate Brewer, has passed out of Health, Welfare & Institutions and is currently waiting to be heard in House Appropriations, Health & Human Resources subcommittee this week. SB570, carried by Senator Mason, is waiting to be heard in Senate Finance committee.
Establishing the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman: HB1301, carried by Delegate Hurst, has passed House General Laws, Professions/Occupations and Administrative Process subcommittee and is waiting to be heard in full General Laws committee this week.
While those are some of our top priorities, we are also continuing to work on many other bills as well as Budget Amendments. Stay tuned for an update after we’ve reached Cross-over and seen the House and Senate versions of the budget!
Want to get involved in supporting any of this? Email [email protected] for more information.