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House panel advances bill requiring quarterly meetings between DCF and foster-youth organizations
Summary
The House Human Services Subcommittee voted to report PCS for HB 395 favorably after youth with lived foster-care experience testified that quarterly meetings and a reporting requirement will give them a formal voice in decisions affecting their care. The PCS removes a statutory foster-youth allowance and carries no fiscal impact for Section 1, lawmakers said.
Representative Ryan Rizzo and Representative Woodson secured committee approval Wednesday for PCS for HB 395, a bill directing the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and lead agencies to meet quarterly with foster-youth organizations and to report on how they have implemented youth recommendations.
Supporters told the Human Services Subcommittee that the measure formalizes a role for young people with lived experience in policy decisions. Tiara Lamour, statewide chair for Florida Youth Shine, described growing up in care and said participation changed her perception and equipped her to advocate. "HB 395 makes it so that we are able to have a voice in legislation that affects us personally," Lamour said. Quayviana "Quay" Peoples, a Florida State University student and youth advocate, said the bill creates opportunities for others to contribute expertise drawn from experience.
The PCS removes a section that would have created a statutory allowance for foster youth; sponsors told the committee that DCF established a statewide youth advisory board and that Section 1 has no fiscal impact. Representative Woodson credited youth testimony and characterized the change as building on existing DCF initiatives. Members from both parties praised the advocates; Representative Harris and Representative Eskamani urged colleagues to support the bill.
After closing remarks from the sponsors, the clerk called the roll. The committee reported PCS for HB 395 favorably by recorded vote, 13 yeas, 0 nays. The bill will proceed to the Senate for consideration.
The measure does not, in the committee record, specify the reporting format DCF must use or timelines beyond quarterly meetings. Sponsors said they plan to continue working with DCF to eliminate any unintended fiscal impacts of remaining provisions.
