Bill
Bill > SF481
IA SF481
IA SF481A bill for an act relating to certain benefits received by children in foster care, and making an appropriation.
summary
Introduced
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
In Committee
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to social security benefits and child support benefits (benefits) for children receiving foster care. The bill defines “child” as a person who is less than 18 years of age, or a person who is 18, 19, or 20 years of age if the person meets certain conditions, and who was committed to the director of the department of health and human services (HHS) or the director’s designee; whose legal custody has been transferred to HHS; or who was voluntarily placed in foster care. The bill requires the department of health and human services (HHS) to establish a benefits account (account) in the name of any child under 18 years of age if the child receives benefits. Any benefits the child receives must be placed in the child’s account. If a conservator makes a demand for moneys in the child’s account, the moneys in the child’s account must be paid to the conservator. The account must be an interest-bearing account at a reputable bank or savings association, and maintained by HHS as trustee for the child. All moneys in the account must be released to the child upon the child reaching 18 years of age. The bill appropriates $1.2 million to HHS for FY 2025-2026 to be used for the payment of foster care costs for children who receive benefits.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Iowa's laws regarding financial accounts for children in foster care by establishing more detailed guidelines for managing benefits received by these children. The bill defines "benefits" as money from Social Security or child support and "child" as a minor in foster care through various legal arrangements. The legislation requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish two types of accounts: a general account and a specific benefits account for children under 18. For the general account, the department can use funds for the child's personal needs, and any unused money will be returned to the child, parent, or legal guardian when foster care ends. The benefits account, specifically for children under 18, mandates that all benefits be deposited into an interest-bearing account and automatically released to the child upon turning 18. If a conservator is appointed, they can demand the funds. Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation of $1,200,000 from the state's general fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, to support foster care costs related to these benefit management provisions. The changes aim to provide more structured financial protection and transparency for children in the foster care system.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Subcommittee: Klimesh, Costello, and Trone Garriott. S.J. 394. (on 03/03/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF481 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF481.html |
Loading...