Committee approves $250,000 for duffel bags for children in foster care

A committee moved Senate Bill 1377 forward after the sponsor said the measure would supply duffel bags to children in foster care so they do not have to carry belongings in trash bags.

The sponsor, introduced in committee as Representative Kaye, said the provision is part of the budget and carries a $250,000 fiscal impact. When Representative Ransom asked whether the duffel bag would remain with the child or be held by the Department of Human Services, the sponsor replied, “The duffel bag will remain the property of the child once they're given the bag.”

Ransom and others also asked whether the program would standardize a single bag model or allow local entities to procure different bags; the sponsor said she did not know and would need to "dig in further" to answer that operational detail. The exchange left implementation questions about procurement and design unresolved in committee.

The committee recorded a vote and reported the bill out with a due pass; the clerk announced 29 ayes and 0 nays.

Next steps include any implementing guidance from DHS and budget-level detail during subsequent appropriations or floor consideration.