Bill > HB1373

This bill establishes new monthly subsidy payment limits for children in the adoption assistance program and the relative guardianship assistance program, which will apply to contracts that begin on or after July 1, 2026. For the adoption assistance program, these monthly payments will not exceed 50% of foster care rates for children under nine, 55% for those aged nine to under fourteen, and 60% for those fourteen and older. For the relative guardianship assistance program, the limits are higher: 60% of foster care rates for children under nine, 65% for those aged nine to under fourteen, and 70% for those fourteen and older. Additionally, effective July 1, 2026, most services will no longer be reimbursable under these programs, except for certain nonrecurring adoption expenses. The bill also mandates that the state department create a standardized notice to inform families currently receiving services about these changes, which county departments must distribute by June 15, 2026. The bill also includes appropriations adjustments to reflect these changes and specifies an effective date.