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Senate committee bars use of garbage bags to transport foster children's belongings, advances bill to floor
Summary
The Senate Committee on Human Services adopted an amendment that explicitly prohibits the Department of Human Services from using garbage bags when transporting foster children’s personal effects and moved Senate Bill 1016 to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation.
The Senate Committee on Human Services adopted an amendment and voted to send Senate Bill 1016 to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation on Thursday, advancing a measure that prohibits the Department of Human Services from using garbage bags to transport foster children’s personal effects.
The Dash 1 amendment, as explained by committee staffer Matt, replaces the introduced text and requires the department to maintain an inventory of ‘‘appropriate carriers’’ for child-welfare caseworkers. Matt told the committee the language explicitly forbids garbage bags while allowing a range of containers — for example, plastic totes or large resealable bags — to accommodate sanitary considerations.
Committee members who participated in the discussion said the statutory change clarifies that the department must keep alternatives on hand. One senator said the tote option addressed concerns about contamination of duffel bags and supported adoption after a sponsor explained the amendment’s sanitary rationale.
The committee first voted to adopt the Dash 1 amendment; the roll call recorded aye votes from Senator Nash, Senator Brzozanski, Senator Reynolds, Vice Chair Lythagam and Chair Gelser Blue, and the amendment was declared adopted. The committee then voted to move SB 1016 as amended to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The roll call on the final motion included aye votes and at least one recorded no; the committee chair stated the motion had received the required votes and the bill will proceed to the floor. The sponsor indicated she would carry the bill to the floor.
The amendment and final motion were discussed as narrowly focused changes to procurement and reporting practices: the statutory text requires the department to report to the legislature on use of luggage carriers and any use of trash bags, and to maintain an appropriate supply of carriers for caseworkers.
The committee closed the work session on SB 1016 after the vote.
Votes at a glance (from committee roll calls recorded in session): - Adoption of Dash 1 amendment to SB 1016: Adopted (aye votes recorded: Senator Nash; Senator Brzozanski; Senator Reynolds; Vice Chair Lythagam; Chair Gelser Blue). - Motion to move SB 1016 as amended to the floor with a due-pass recommendation: Passed (chair announced required votes received; roll call included recorded ayes and at least one no).
