HB 1595

HB 1595-FN - AS INTRODUCED

AN ACT establishing a committee to study issues relating to foster parenting and establishing a transitional housing pilot program for certain children living in foster care.

SPONSORS: Rep. Young, Sull 6

This bill establishes a committee to study issues relating to foster parenting in the state of New Hampshire, establishes a 3-year transitional housing pilot program within the department of health and human services for the purpose of providing extended foster care housing and living arrangements for certain foster children. The bill also provides that foster children up to age 21 shall receive health insurance while living in foster care within the jurisdiction of the department of health and human services.

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

AN ACT establishing a committee to study issues relating to foster parenting and establishing a transitional housing pilot program for certain children living in foster care.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 New Paragraph; Services for Children, Youth, and Families; Insurance Coverage for Children Living in Foster Care. Amend RSA 170-G:3 by inserting after paragraph VI the following new paragraph:

VI-a. The commissioner shall, after consultation with the insurance department and the bureau of risk management, and in accordance with the procedures established by the commissioner of administrative services under RSA 21-I:8, II(e), purchase insurance coverage for the benefit of children up to age 21. The amount and nature of this insurance coverage may vary at the discretion of the commissioner of administrative services.

I. There is hereby established within the department of health and human services, a 3-year transitional housing pilot program for the purpose of providing extended housing and living arrangements to benefit certain foster children who may need additional time to enhance their independent living skills.

II. The commissioner of the department of health and human services may designate up to 25 percent of the total number of children who are living in foster care under the jurisdiction of the department, and who have reached the age of 18, to participate in the pilot program. The commissioner shall identify such additional foster care housing arrangements as may be necessary for the pilot program and ensure the proper licensing of such foster care in accordance with departmental rules.

III. The commissioner of the department of health and human services may pursue funding for the pilot program in the form of grants from federal and private foundations or sources and expend such grants, moneys, and any appropriations for the purpose of said program.

IV. The pilot program shall expire on June 30, 2003, unless renewed by the legislature.

3 Committee Established. There is established a committee to study issues relating to the foster parenting system in the state of New Hampshire.

(a) Four members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house.

II. Members of the committee shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the committee.

I. To evaluate foster parent compensation and whether the existing method of compensation is adequate and appropriate in the context of the present child welfare system.

II. To study the exposure of foster parents to civil and criminal liability in their capacity as foster parents, and determine whether specific limitations on liability should be introduced into the foster parenting process.

III. To study the feasibility of establishing transitional foster care housing and living arrangements for the benefit of certain foster children.

IV. To study any other issue that the committee deems to be in furtherance of its objectives.

V. To study the amount and nature of insurance coverage provided by the department of health and human services to foster children.

VI. To develop legislative proposals as it may deem necessary and appropriate to the issues outlined in this section.

6 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the study committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the committee shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the committee shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Four members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.

7 Report. The committee shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate president, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2000.

AN ACT establishing a committee to study issues relating to foster parenting and establishing a transitional housing pilot program for certain children living in foster care.

The Office of Legislative Budget Assistant is unable to complete a fiscal note for this bill as it is awaiting information from an agency.