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Committee advances bill to streamline foster-home license transfers
Summary
The Senate committee reported CS for SB 1174, a bill to standardize and speed transfers of foster-home licenses for relocating foster parents; members adopted a friendly amendment clarifying transfers are for the same person and directing DCF rulemaking to reduce delays.
The Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs on Tuesday reported favorably CS for SB 1174, a bill to simplify the process for transferring foster home licenses when foster parents relocate within the state.
Senator Jennifer Jones, sponsor of SB 1174, told the committee the bill "establishes a uniform efficient process while maintaining proper oversight." She said current inconsistencies between regions create burdens for families and disrupt stability for children in care.
A friendly amendment (barcode 102620) from Senator Jones clarified that a license transfer applies only when the same foster parent relocates — not when a license moves between different individuals — and directed the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to adopt rules prioritizing amended licenses to reduce delays for relocating families. The committee adopted the amendment by voice vote and then reported the bill.
Chair Graw called the roll after the vote; senators recorded as voting yes included Broder, Harrell, Roussan, Sharif, Simon, Vice Chair Garcia and Chair Graw. No debate on the bill followed the amendment adoption.
Why it matters: Supporters said the change will reduce administrative barriers that can disrupt placements and stability for children. The rulemaking requirement is intended to give DCF an implementation pathway for faster processing of amended licenses.
What the bill does not do: The committee record shows no changes to licensing standards or oversight authority; the amendment limits the transfer to the same licensee and asks DCF to prioritize amended applications through rulemaking.
