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Bill

H 269

An act relating to the federal benefits of youth in State custody

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Birong and 3 co-sponsors

The bill aims to maximize and streamline access to federal benefits for youths in Vermont state custody by ensuring eligible youths receive available supports.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 269

Overview

H 269 (2025-2026, Vermont) is titled: “An act relating to the federal benefits of youth in State custody.” The bill appears to focus on aligning Vermont’s policies or practices with federal benefits available to youth who are in state custody, with the aim of ensuring eligible youths receive appropriate federal supports. It was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services on February 19, 2025. The bill has four co-sponsors: Jubilee McGill, Leslie Goldman, Dan Noyes, and Matt Birong.

Purpose and intent

  • To address and maximize federal benefits available to youths who are in Vermont state custody.
  • Likely aims to remove barriers, clarify eligibility, or streamline processes so eligible youths can access federal programs (e.g., health care, education, housing, or other entitlements) that support youth in state custody.
  • Reflects a focus on improving outcomes for youth experienced with the child welfare system by ensuring federal resources are accessible.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by the title and context)

  • The bill’s central provision is to authorize or require state agencies, departments, or relevant custodial systems to take specified actions to secure federal benefits for youths in state custody.
  • Possible provisions (typical in this policy area) may include:
    • Streamlining application processes for federal benefits.
    • Clarifying eligibility criteria and ensuring youth records support benefit determinations.
    • Requiring training or guidance for child-welfare staff on federal benefits.
    • Establishing interagency coordination between the Agency of Human Services and federal benefit programs.
    • Ensuring continuity of benefits during transitions (e.g., aging out, custody changes).
  • The precise mechanisms (e.g., amendments to statutes, new regulations, or administrative directives) are not detailed in the provided summary but would be expected to be specified in the bill text.

Who would be affected

  • Youth in State custody who may be eligible for federal benefits.
  • State agencies and departments involved in child welfare, social services, education, health care, and related supports.
  • Caregivers, guardians, and caseworkers who administer benefits and assist youths with applications.
  • Potentially, families or former foster youths who are transitioning out of state custody, depending on the scope of benefits addressed.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • First reading completed: February 19, 2025.
  • Referred to the Committee on Human Services, indicating initial legislative consideration will occur within that committee.
  • Next steps typically include: committee hearings, potential amendments, a committee vote, and then advancement to the floor for debate and passage, amendment, or rejection.
  • If enacted, the bill would require regulatory or administrative implementation, including any required rulemaking, data-sharing arrangements, or interagency agreements.

Additional notes

  • Co-sponsors: Four representatives (Jubilee McGill, Leslie Goldman, Dan Noyes, Matt Birong) have signed on to support the bill, suggesting cross-caucus or bipartisan interest in strengthening federal benefit access for youth in custody.
  • Without the full text, specifics such as exact benefit programs addressed, funding implications, and implementation timelines remain to be clarified. A detailed review of the bill’s language will provide precise provisions, duties, funding sources, and any fiscal notes.

If you’d like, I can incorporate the full bill text to produce a more detailed, line-by-line summary of provisions and fiscal impacts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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