After emotional testimony, senators restore House kinship‑care notice and reporting protections

The Appropriations Committee moved House Bill 13‑74 with amendment L005, a change that restores several House amendments affecting kinship care payments and administration.

Advocates, adoptive parents and practitioners told the committee that monthly case services and kinship care payments are essential supports that keep children in family settings and reduce more expensive foster placements. Melanie Jordan of the Office of Respondent Parents Council urged the committee to preserve House changes that require counties to notify non‑certified kin that payments will end by July 1, 2026, and to continue reporting data on non‑certified kin placements.

Multiple speakers described administrative barriers to certification — such as background checks, identification and training requirements — and warned that simply eliminating payments without notice will destabilize placements. Christine Miles, an adoptive mother, said cutting a modest daily kinship allowance risks pushing children back into foster care and erasing projected savings. Jody Britton of Be The Source asked the committee to retain portions of the reimbursement for non‑certified kin and to require clear notice so families and counties can prepare.

Sponsor remarks explained the bill ends monthly financial support for some non‑certified kin but keeps Title 19 supports available and clarifies the change is not intended to end all assistance. The committee adopted L005 to reinstate provisions that would notify non‑certified kin, require data reporting, and clarify the scope of supports.

The amended bill passed unanimously but will not be added to the consent calendar, reflecting the committee’s caution and the issue’s sensitivity.