Committee moves forward on bill letting unaccompanied 16- and 17-year-olds access basic services

Representative Theresa Wood, chair of the House Human Services Committee, told the House Appropriations Committee on March 20 that an amendment to H657 will clarify the bill applies only to “unaccompanied youth” aged 16 and 17 and will not change the bill’s intent.

Wood said judiciary took testimony on an immunity clause and will not offer an amendment; Human Services will offer a technical amendment to specify the age and add legislative intent to guide implementation. "In instances in which severe family dysfunction such as abuse, neglect, child abandonment, or lack of financial support has left a child or youth homeless and other support such as foster care are deemed inappropriate, it is the intent of the general assembly to provide an unaccompanied youth with the resources necessary to obtain services and benefits that the unaccompanied youth's peers can obtain with the consent of a parent or guardian," Wood read to the panel.

The bill enables certified unaccompanied youth to take certain administrative actions without parental consent—examples discussed included making a doctor's appointment, applying for a driver's permit, or accessing a youth shelter. Committee members repeatedly confirmed that the measure targets older teens and is “not for very young children.”

Several members pressed officials for procedural safeguards. Representative Wayne asked whether a youth could be certified at a shelter without further verification of family circumstances and whether immunity language could shield professionals who negligently certify someone. Chair Wood responded that certification is expected to be done by trained youth-service providers who also engage families and follow statutory reporting duties; she said immunity protects those acting in good faith and in accordance with statute and that required reporters must still report suspected abuse or neglect.

The clerk called the roll and the committee approved the bill as amended by Human Services. Members were told the Human Services amendment will be filed and the committee will take any further clarifying questions as needed.

The committee recorded no additional floor amendments in committee; the Human Services technical amendment that clarifies ages and intent language will be offered before floor action.