Bill > HB1271

This bill addresses the handling of federal survivor benefits for children and youth in foster care in Colorado, establishing comprehensive guidelines to ensure these benefits are managed transparently and directly benefit the individual child. The bill requires county departments to identify and apply for potential federal survivor benefits for children with deceased parents, and mandates that these benefits cannot be used to cover foster care maintenance expenses. County departments must establish separate accounts for each child's benefits, maintain detailed annual accounting records, and provide timely notifications to interested parties about benefit applications, decisions, and account status. The legislation emphasizes that federal survivor benefits should be individually allocated and protected, not pooled for institutional purposes, with the goal of promoting the financial security and independence of foster children. By July 1, 2027, the Department of Human Services must develop rules for implementing these requirements, including screening processes for benefit eligibility, best practices for consultation, application procedures, and guidance for identifying appropriate representative payees. The bill ultimately seeks to ensure that foster children receive the full financial support intended for their unique needs and have resources to support their transition to adulthood or potential family reunification.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1271