Bill > SB577

This bill establishes a Foster Child Trust Account Program to manage and protect federal benefits received by children in the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services' conservatorship. The program requires the department to serve as the representative payee for children receiving specific federal benefits like Veterans Affairs benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The department must deposit these benefits into an interest-bearing trust account managed by the state comptroller, with the goal of preserving the child's benefits and avoiding any negative impact on their eligibility. When a child leaves foster care at or after age 18, they will receive the account balance, with up to $5,000 initially distributed via debit card or electronic transfer, and any remaining balance paid out in quarterly increments of up to $5,000. The state can only deduct the interest earned on the account, and the child's guardian cannot access the funds. The Department of Family and Protective Services is required to adopt rules for implementing this program by January 1, 2026, with the act taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB577