House adopts bill clarifying fiduciary duties and returning social-security benefits to youth in extended foster care

Summary

The House passed Substitute Senate Bill 59-11, with an amendment clarifying that the Department of Children, Youth, and Families retains fiduciary responsibility when contracting representative-payee services. Sponsors said the bill would return social-security benefits to eligible youth in extended foster care; final passage was 93-2 (3 excused).

The House approved Substitute Senate Bill 59-11 as amended to strengthen financial protections for youth in care and clarify fiduciary responsibilities. Representative Penner described Amendment 22-94 as language to ensure the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) retains fiduciary responsibility if a contracted representative payee commits negligence or malfeasance.

Representative Kallen urged passage, saying the state had been using Social Security benefits intended for youth in extended foster care and that returning those benefits would advance their financial stability. Kallen said the benefits had been “usurped” and urged members to vote yes so the benefits are returned to eligible youth. Other members expressed support, noting stakeholder work on workable language.

Floor votes recorded 93 yays, 2 nays and 3 excused; the chair declared the measure passed. The transcript does not list specific implementation timing, agency rulemaking, or the dollar amounts involved in the accounts at issue.