Committee sends bill to floor requiring agencies to report current and anticipated program costs for children and families

SB 1214, an act requiring certain agencies to report costs associated with programs serving children and families, was reported favorably to the floor by roll call on Feb. 25 after the committee adopted a substitute technical correction to reporting deadlines.

Sponsor discussion and staff explanation described the substitute as a technical change: the reporting dates in sections 1 and 2 were corrected to read Jan. 1, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026. The substitute does not alter the substance of the reporting requirement, which asks the Department of Social Services and the Department of Developmental Services to submit reports describing current costs associated with programs that directly affect children and families and anticipated costs if different eligibility criteria were used.

Representative Dauphine asked for a brief description for the record; staff explained the substitute simply changes the deadline dates. A motion for a joint favorable substitute to the floor (LCO 5333) was made, seconded and approved by roll call.

Actions recorded: motion for joint favorable substitute to the floor (mover: Senator Marr; second: Representative Whelander/Weylander); outcome: approved. The committee did not identify a fiscal note during the hearing.

Votes at a glance: the roll call recorded yes votes from Representative Perez, Senator Maher, Representative Whitelander, Representative Dauphine, Representative Belton, Representative Comey, Representative Kitt, Senator Kushner, Representative Lanou, Representative Martinez, Representative Mastro Francesco, Representative McGee and Representative Pezzuto; outcome: reported favorably to the floor.