Foster youth and advocates press Senate committee to adopt tougher group‑home safety rules; HB 2611 advances

Multiple current and former foster youth gave testimony to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee in support of House Bill 2,611, which the committee advanced with amendments.

The bill — described by staff as the Youth Safety Rights and Mental Health Protection Act — would explicitly guarantee foster youth timely and unbiased health services, the right to enrichment activities, protections from bullying and retaliation, and the ability to report rights violations without fear of punishment. For group foster homes, it would require verification of quarterly random drug screens and require DCS to conduct drug screening of group‑home employees after accidents or incidents involving child injury; confirmed positive tests could lead to immediate removal pending confirmatory testing and possible termination.

Several youth recounted long histories in care. Hayden LaRue said he had been in more than 40 foster placements and called for accountability: "A child's safety should not depend on luck," he told the committee. Angelina Trammell described group homes that she said failed to provide safe and healing environments. Corey Swint, who works as direct‑care staff and grew up in the system, highlighted the need for staff accountability on drugs and for safety‑focused technology policies to prevent exploitation.

Selena Moreno of DCS said the department is neutral on the measure but appreciates the sponsor's intent to increase safety and noted the bill could affect provider operations and produce fiscal impacts. Committee members and youth discussed implementation and models for group homes that provide extended support for older youth.

The committee adopted a Warner amendment and recorded a due‑pass recommendation for HB 2,611; stakeholders said they will continue to work with DCS and the sponsor on operational details.