Relating to certain benefits received by children in foster care, and making an appropriation

This bill relates to social security benefits and child support benefits (benefits) for children receiving foster care. The bill defines “child” as a person who is less than years of age, or a person who is 18, 19, or years of age if the person meets certain conditions, and who was committed to the director of the department of health and human services (HHS) or the director’s designee; whose legal custody has been transferred to HHS; or who was voluntarily placed in foster care. The bill requires the department of health and human services (HHS) to establish a benefits account (account) in the name of any child under years of age if the child receives benefits. Any benefits the child receives must be placed in the child’s account. If a conservator makes a demand for moneys in the child’s account, the moneys in the child’s account must be paid to the conservator. The account must be an interest-bearing account at a reputable bank or savings association, and maintained by HHS as trustee for the child. All moneys in the account must be released to the child upon the child reaching years of age.2 million to HHS for FY 2025-2026 to be used for the payment of foster care costs for children who receive benefits.