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Panel hears bill to waive fees for former foster youth documents
Summary
Senate Bill 412 would waive fees for replacement birth certificates, driver's licenses/IDs and academic records for former foster youth ages 18–21. The sponsor said Chafee funds could be used and department representatives indicated departmental support and about 70 youth aged out last year.
Senator Laura Smith introduced Senate Bill 412 to the House Health and Human Services Committee, saying the bill aims to ease transitions for young people aging out of foster care by waiving fees for critical identity documents. Smith said many former foster youth face barriers obtaining birth certificates, driver's licenses and college transcripts and that waiving those fees would remove practical obstacles to employment, housing and benefits.
Nikki Grossberg, division administrator for Children and Family Services, testified in support and described the bill as a modest but meaningful change; she said roughly 70 children aged out of foster care last year and noted the department could work to reimburse county clerks, the Department of Justice (for IDs), and the Montana University System for academic records where appropriate. Senator Smith said Chafee funds were identified as a potential funding source to cover costs.
No opponents appeared and informational witnesses were not listed. Senator Smith closed the hearing; the committee did not take a vote at that time.
