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.