Plain English Breakdown
The bill was vetoed, and its final status depends on whether lawmakers overrode that veto.
Foster Youth Disaster Aid Assistance
This vetoed bill proposed creating a new state program and fund to help foster youth and their caregivers with basic needs after disasters.
What This Bill Does
- Creates the Child Welfare Disaster Response Program run by the State Department of Social Services.
- Establishes the Child Welfare Disaster Response Account to hold money for this program.
- Requires the Legislature to approve spending from the account before funds can be used.
- Allows county child welfare agencies, probation departments, and Indian tribes to apply for these disaster funds.
- Limits fund use to housing, clothing, transportation, and other tangible needs within 180 days of an emergency declaration.
Who It Names or Affects
- Foster children and youth as defined by state law.
- Caregivers for foster children and youth.
- County child welfare agencies that apply for funds.
- The State Department of Social Services, which would manage the program.
Terms To Know
- Appropriation
- An official act by the Legislature to set aside money from a fund for specific use.
- Emergency proclamation
- A formal announcement by local government or the Governor declaring an emergency situation exists.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill was vetoed, so it did not become law unless lawmakers later overrode that decision.
- Funds can only be used if the Legislature approves spending from the new account.
- Help is limited to needs occurring within 180 days of an official emergency declaration.