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HB 2503

Relating to necessity allowance

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Burkhammer and 9 co-sponsors

House Bill 2503 ensures children in foster care receive at least $375 for clothing and essentials, improving their well-being during placement.

To House Finance
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Bill Summary · HB 2503

Summary of House Bill 2503: Necessity Allowance

Bill Number: HB 2503
Title: Relating to Necessity Allowance
Status: To House Finance
Introduced: February 17, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Health

Purpose of the Bill

House Bill 2503 aims to establish a framework for providing clothing and essential items to children who have been removed from their homes and are in the legal custody of the West Virginia Department of Human Services. The bill seeks to ensure that these children receive an adequate wardrobe and necessary items to support their well-being during their time in foster care.

Key Provisions

Article 12: Requirements for Clothing Allowance and Approved Necessities

  1. Definitions:

    • Approved Necessities: Items, other than clothing, essential for the child's care.
    • Adequate Wardrobe: Clothing that is in good condition, suitable for all seasons, and properly fitting for the duration of the child's foster care.
    • Initial Clothing Allowance: Funding provided to placement providers to cover immediate clothing and necessities at the time of a child's initial placement.
    • Supplementary Clothing Assistance: Additional funding for extraordinary needs due to illness or damage to clothing.

  2. Requirements for Initial Placement:

    • Placement providers must assess the child's current clothing and necessities at the time of placement.
    • If the child lacks an adequate wardrobe or approved necessities, the provider can request an initial clothing allowance.

  3. Payment Structure:

    • The initial clothing allowance is set at a minimum of $375.
    • A supplemental clothing allowance may be issued for up to $175 for extraordinary needs.
    • Payments can be made through:
      • A reloadable instant card (primary method).
      • A purchasing card used by child welfare workers.
      • Reimbursement to placement providers who purchase items with their own funds (last resort).

  4. Inventory Management:

    • An inventory of the child's clothing and necessities must be maintained and updated periodically throughout the placement.

Impact of the Bill

This legislation will directly affect:
- Children in Foster Care: Ensuring they have access to adequate clothing and necessities.
- Placement Providers: Including foster parents and kinship/relative providers who will be responsible for assessing needs and managing allowances.
- Department of Human Services: The department will need to implement policies for the distribution and management of allowances.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 17, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the House Health and Human Resources Committee.
  • March 5, 2025: Markup discussion held.
  • April 1, 2025: Bill passed by substitute and sent to House Finance.

This bill represents a significant step towards improving the welfare of children in foster care by ensuring they receive the necessary support for their clothing and essential needs.

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

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