88R11297 BDP-F
By: Lujan H.B. No. 2645
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a pilot program to increase the financial independence
of foster youth who are transitioning to independent living.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 264, Family Code, is
amended by adding Section 264.1215 to read as follows:
Sec. 264.1215. PILOT PROGRAM FOR FINANCIAL TRANSITIONAL
LIVING SERVICES. (a) The department shall establish a pilot
program to assist foster youth to achieve financial security and
independence as the youth transition to independent living.
(b) The department shall enter into an agreement with one or
more credit unions or other financial institutions to establish
savings and checking accounts for foster youth who, under an
agreement with the department and credit union or other financial
institution, participate in the pilot program. The agreement may
include, as appropriate, a requirement that the department and the
credit union or other financial institution together encourage the
foster youth participating in the program to open private savings
and checking accounts once the participants are no longer eligible
for foster care services.
(c) The department shall include foster youth, including
foster youth who are age 17 and older, as participants in the pilot
program established under this section.
(d) The department shall complete an evaluation of the pilot
program and shall submit a report on the evaluation of the pilot
program conducted under this subsection to the governor, lieutenant
governor, and speaker of the house of representatives not later
than December 31, 2026.
(e) A foster youth may not be denied the rights granted
under Section 264.0111 to control money earned by the youth that is
deposited into savings and checking accounts under the pilot
program.
(f) If the department is unable to enter into an agreement
with a credit union or other financial institution, the department
shall include in the report under Subsection (d) a description of
any legal or practical barriers that must be addressed to ensure
that foster youth are able to participate in the pilot program and
establish savings and checking accounts before the youth leave
foster care.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the Department of Family and Protective Services shall
establish the pilot program as required by Section 264.1215, Family
Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.