Bill > S03781

This bill requires the New York Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to provide free, durable luggage to foster care youth in various situations, including when they enter foster care, move between placements, exit foster care, or go to college. The bill defines "luggage" as a new or like-new suitcase, duffel bag, backpack, or similar reusable container, explicitly excluding disposable bags, trash bags, or cardboard boxes. OCFS must distribute luggage to social services districts based on the number of foster children in each area, and these districts will then provide the luggage to children in their care or to contracted foster care agencies. The bill also mandates an annual report to the governor and legislature detailing the luggage distribution, including the total number of foster youth receiving luggage, disaggregated by demographic information, the number of youth still using disposable bags, and information about the luggage supply and inventory management. If a foster youth loses or damages their luggage, OCFS may provide a replacement at their discretion, and the luggage cannot be reclaimed by any agency or foster parent. The act will take effect 120 days after becoming law.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3781