Senate committee backs bill requiring 14‑day director reviews for foster placements in unlicensed congregate care

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to send Senate Bill 1035 to the Senate floor with a "do pass" recommendation after sponsors and providers described the bill as a clarification that preserves restrictions on unregulated group care while ensuring licensed treatment providers can focus on clinical work.

Senator Wintrow, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure builds on reforms enacted in 2024 that limited placements of foster children in short‑term rentals and other unregulated settings. "The bill additions include for a child placed in an unlicensed group care setting, including Airbnb, the director shall review the placement every 14 days," Senator Wintrow said. She said the director's review must assess safety, treatment needs, facility services, treatment plan, progress toward discharge and discharge planning, and that inappropriate placements must be replaced.

Supporters said the changes were developed in collaboration with providers and the Department of Health and Welfare. Craig Anderson, owner and operator of Hinge Point Youth Homes, said providers and the department had unanimously agreed to the revised language after months of meetings. "The language that is before you was unanimously agreed to by the providers that were involved by the department, as well as other organizations," Anderson said.

A residential‑care provider who testified, Bridal Shipley, said timely assessments and community‑based supports are essential for youth in treatment. "These children need our support, stability, and access to appropriate services," Shipley said.

Committee members asked whether the 14‑day review requirement would force the department to hire additional staff or pull clinicians away from treatment. Senator Wintrow acknowledged the 2024 reforms had increased reporting burdens at the director level but said the intent of the current bill is to avoid diverting frontline clinical staff from care. "The concern here is, hey. We don't wanna pull people away from treatment for a report that's helping the department," she said.

After discussion and public testimony, Senator Blaylock moved to send the bill to the floor with a due‑pass recommendation; the motion was seconded by Senator Burkey and carried by voice vote.

The bill sponsor and providers said the measure is intended to maintain the statutory guardrails that ended placements in short‑term rentals while giving the director a clear, time‑bound review obligation to ensure child safety and appropriate treatment progress.

Votes at a glance: - Motion: Send Senate Bill 1035 to the Senate floor with a "do pass" recommendation. - Mover: Senator Blaylock. Second: Senator Burkey. Outcome: approved by voice vote; no recorded opposition.

What happens next: The bill will appear on the Senate floor calendar for further consideration and potential amendment.