The Senate Appropriations Committee on House Bill 12‑71, as adopted by amendment J2, voted 5–2 to advance the measure after a discussion about funding and timing.

Sponsor Senator Michaelson Janae and other members said the bill addresses survivor benefits that would go to foster children. Senator Kirkmeyer asked whether the group had worked the measure through with counties; the sponsor replied, “That's correct.” Committee members and sponsors explained the state share would help cover county child welfare obligations under existing maintenance-of-effort rules. Committee discussion referenced an estimated state cost “up to $1,200,000” in future years depending on the number of children affected; one speaker referred to an assumption that costs could be about $1,100,000 or $1,400,000 in an out year, and the transcript reflects differing estimates during the exchange.

Members said the bill delays substantive implementation until fiscal year 2027–28 to give counties time to prepare. The motion to adopt amendment J2 was unopposed; following that, the committee adopted the bill, with the roll call recorded in the transcript showing five members voting aye and two voting no. The sponsor and committee described the funding as covering the state’s share of child welfare costs (described in the discussion as roughly a state/federal/county split), and that the final state dollar amount will depend on how many children ultimately are eligible for survivor benefits.

The committee’s action advances the bill to the next stage; the transcript indicates further budget-year effects will be determined as the counts and fiscal years are refined.