February 2-6
This week, policy committees wrapped up their work on bills introduced in their respective chambers. Bills that were not voted out of committee by the February 4 deadline will no longer advance this session, with one exception: bills deemed necessary to implement the budget (NTIB). NTIB bills may continue to be considered through the final day of the legislative session.
Several bills addressing critical incidents in child welfare were voted out of their policy committees:
- HB 2660 / SB 6308 authorizes courts to order certain conditions to maintain safety when a child under the age of five remains in the home following a shelter care hearing.
- SSB 6319 was modified during committee to create a community-based pathway for referrals to services that may extend up to six months for cases that involve families with high-needs, children under age four, and the presence of high potency synthetic opioids.
- SB 5979 requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to develop policies, practice guidelines, and training for the filing of dependency petitions and use of in-home dependencies.
Except for SB 5979, which has been referred to the Rules Committee, the remaining bills must be heard and voted out of fiscal committees by the February 9 deadline. The bills referenced above are scheduled for hearings in their respective fiscal committees on Friday, February 6.
SB 5911, which would end the practice of withholding federal SSI benefits from youth in foster care, received a hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee on February 5 and must be voted out of committee by February 9.
SB 5940, to provide housing vouchers for youth in Extended Foster Care, is scheduled to be heard in Senate Ways and Means Committee on February 5 and must be voted out of committee by February 9.
Weekly bill tracker
The weekly P4C bill tracker highlights bills related to our priorities, particularly in child welfare. Please note that the inclusion of bills in the tracker does not reflect P4C’s position for or against the bill.
Other ways to stay informed
- TVW offers live and archived coverage of legislative committees and other events.
- The legislative website provides comprehensive information on bills, committee schedules, and contact information for legislators.