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HF 588

Foster children receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits trust established, report required, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Duane Quam

Creates a dedicated trust to manage SSI benefits for eligible foster children, with governance, reporting, and funding to administer it.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Children and Families Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 588

Summary of HF 588 (Session 2025-2026) – Minnesota

Purpose and Intent

HF 588 proposes the creation of a trust related to foster children who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The bill aims to establish a formal mechanism to manage and administer SSI-related funds for eligible foster children, provide for reporting on trust activities, and appropriate state funds to support implementation and ongoing operations.

Key goals include:
- Ensuring proper management of SSI funds for foster children.
- Providing transparency through required reporting.
- Securing state financial support to implement and sustain the trust program.

Key Provisions and Changes

Note: The full text would provide exact drafting; based on the title and summary, the following are the core elements typically associated with such legislation:

  1. Establishment of a Foster Children SSI Benefits Trust

    • Creates a dedicated trust to hold and manage SSI benefits for foster children who qualify.
    • Defines eligibility criteria for participation in the trust (likely aligning with SSI eligibility and foster care status).

  2. Trust Administration

    • Specifies governance structure (e.g., administrator or trustee, oversight committee).
    • Outlines duties and responsibilities related to asset management, compliance with SSI rules, and fiduciary standards.
    • Addresses investment standards, recordkeeping, and safeguarding of funds.

  3. Reporting Requirements

    • Requires periodic reporting on trust activity, financial status, expenditures, and outcomes for beneficiaries.
    • May mandate annual or semi-annual reports to a designated state body (e.g., legislature, child welfare agency).

  4. ** appropriations and Funding**

    • Authorizes an appropriation or identifies funding sources to establish and operate the trust.
    • May specify eligible use of funds, administrative costs, and potential limitations on withdrawals.

  5. Coordination with Agencies

    • Likely involves collaboration between child welfare agencies, social services, and financial administrations to identify eligible foster children and to administer benefits.

  6. Definitions

    • Provides key definitions (e.g., “foster child,” “SSI benefits,” “trust,” “beneficiary”) for clarity and statutory interpretation.

  7. Effective Date and Implementation Timeline

    • Sets effective date upon enactment or a defined later date.
    • May outline phased implementation or deadlines for reporting.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Eligible Foster Children on SSI: Primary beneficiaries who would have their SSI benefits managed within the new trust.
  • Foster Care System Agencies: Departments or divisions responsible for identifying eligible children and coordinating with the trust.
  • Families and Caregivers: Beneficiaries’ families or guardians who interact with the trust for administration and disbursement.
  • State Agency Administrators: Those responsible for governance, reporting, compliance, and funding administration.
  • ** taxpayers/General Public:** Through state budget allocations and ongoing program costs.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduction and Referral: HF 588 was introduced and referred to the Committee on Children and Families Finance and Policy on February 13, 2025.
  • Next Steps: The bill would progress through committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the Minnesota Legislature. If advanced, it would proceed to floor action and, upon passage, to the governor for signature or veto.
  • Implementation Timeline: If funded and enacted, the trust would become operational according to the bill’s implementation schedule, with reporting requirements kicking in per the statutory timetable.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include exact statutory language once the bill’s full text is available, or add a comparison with similar existing programs in Minnesota or other states.

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

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