Committee sends bill to Appropriations to protect federal benefits and increase transparency for foster youth

Lawmakers advanced House Bill 13‑47 from the Senate Health and Human Services Committee to Appropriations after supporters said the bill strengthens protections and transparency for foster youth who receive federal survivor or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Sponsor testimony framed the bill as building on prior legislation that stopped counties from using a child’s federal survivor benefits to offset foster‑care costs. The bill would require counties to document when a child in foster care is receiving disability benefits or when a child is ineligible and to ensure eligible youth can access and retain benefits intended to support their transition to adulthood.

Supporters included Raise the Future, the Office of Respondent Parents Council, foster parents with lived experience and the Office of Child Welfare staff. Jessie Braverman, a permanent parent with four children who came from foster care, described two children who lost access to survivor benefits while in care and said the family never received an accounting for approximately $54,000 in payments that were paid to the county during their time in care.

Witnesses said the bill will create a clearer pathway to identify eligibility and apply for benefits on behalf of youth when appropriate and will improve transparency and accountability in the counties’ management of funds.

The committee voted to forward House Bill 13‑47 with a favorable recommendation to Appropriations; the motion passed unanimously.