86R2647 MCK-F
By: Minjarez H.B. No. 53
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the transitional living services program for certain
youth in foster care.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 264.121(a-2) and (f), Family Code, are
amended to read as follows:
(a-2) The experiential life-skills training under
Subsection (a-1) must include:
(1) a financial literacy education program that:
(A) [(1)] includes instruction on:
(i) [(A)] obtaining and interpreting a
credit score;
(ii) [(B)] protecting, repairing, and
improving a credit score;
(iii) [(C)] avoiding predatory lending
practices;
(iv) [(D)] saving money and accomplishing
financial goals through prudent financial management practices;
(v) [(E)] using basic banking and
accounting skills, including balancing a checkbook;
(vi) [(F)] using debit and credit cards
responsibly;
(vii) [(G)] understanding a paycheck and
items withheld from a paycheck; [and]
(viii) understanding the time requirements
and process for filing federal taxes;
(ix) [(H)] protecting financial, credit,
and personally identifying information in personal and
professional relationships and online; and
(x) for youth who are age 17 years of age or
older, applying for and obtaining automobile insurance and
residential property insurance, including tenants insurance; and
(B) [(2)] assists a youth who has a source of
income to establish a savings plan and, if available, a savings
account that the youth can independently manage; and
(2) for youth who are age 17 years of age or older,
lessons related to civic engagement, including the process for
registering to vote, the places to vote, and resources for
information regarding upcoming elections.
(f) The department shall require a person with whom the
department contracts for transitional living services for foster
youth to provide or assist youth in obtaining:
(1) housing services;
(2) job training and employment services;
(3) college preparation services;
(4) services that will assist youth in obtaining a
general education development certificate;
(5) services that will assist youth in developing
skills in food preparation;
(6) nutrition education that promotes healthy food
choices;
(7) a savings or checking account if the youth is at
least 18 years of age and has a source of income;
(8) mental health services;
(9) financial literacy education and civic engagement
lessons required under Subsection (a-2); and
(10) [(8)] any other appropriate transitional living
service identified by the department.
SECTION 2. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to
a person who enters into a contract with the Department of Family
and Protective Services to provide transitional living services for
foster youth on or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.