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