BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1117

By: Zaffirini

Human Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Department of Family and Protective Services is currently responsible for providing a youth in foster care assistance in transitioning to independent living after aging out of the system. There is concern that this transition planning does not provide adequate guidance on how to secure housing and that, without minimum standards regarding supportive housing planning, transitional living services can become ineffectual. Research indicates that without stable and secure housing, youths who age out of foster care are more likely to experience homelessness, which is not only a barrier to completing education or maintaining consistent employment but also puts youths at a greater risk of being targeted for human trafficking and increases the likelihood of engaging in survival behaviors that can have lifelong consequences. S.B. 1117 seeks to ensure that certain youths aging out of foster care have the support and guidance they need to build a successful life.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 1117 amends the Family Code to require the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to ensure that the transition plan provided to each youth 16 years of age or older under DFPS conservatorship to assist the youth in transitioning from foster care to independent living includes provisions to assist the youth in managing the youth's housing needs after the youth leaves foster care. The bill requires the included provisions to identify the cost of housing in relation to the youth's sources of income, including any benefits or rental assistance available to the youth; if the youth's housing goals include residing with family or friends, to state that DFPS has addressed with the youth certain logistical, emotional, and psychological factors regarding the arrangement; to inform the youth about emergency shelters and housing resources; to require DFPS to review a common rental application with the youth and ensure that the youth possesses all of the documentation required to obtain rental housing; and to identify any individuals who are able to serve as cosigners or references on the youth's applications for housing.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.