Committee advances bill to coordinate services for children with intellectual or developmental disabilities

House Bill 2,188, as amended, would require the Department of Children's Services (DCS) to collaborate with the Department of Disability and Aging to ensure children in state custody or at risk of entering custody who have intellectual or developmental disabilities receive appropriate services and supports.

Sponsor Shirley Littleton told the committee the bill authorizes the Department of Disability and Aging to develop training for DCS staff on identifying and supporting children with disabilities and to provide consultation on oversight tools and monitoring of residential services. "It also requires DCS to submit a report outlining its compliance with this legislation on 01/01/2027," she said.

Members did not raise questions during the floor explanation. The clerk recorded the committee vote as 16 ayes, 0 nos; the measure advances to the calendar for further consideration. The bill’s text authorizes referrals from DCS to the Department of Disability and Aging for service recommendations and allows the court or relevant agencies to consider those recommendations in placement and oversight decisions.

The committee did not cite changes to funding sources during the hearing; sponsors said the bill would use "existing staff and resources" for reporting and collaboration. The next step is placement on the calendar and potential referral to finance or other committees if budgetary effects are later identified.