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Bill

HB 966

Relating to notice regarding certain benefits for which a representative payee or fiduciary has been appointed for a child in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Steve Toth

Requires DFPS to notify foster children when someone is appointed to manage their government benefits, ensuring transparency about financial control.

Referred to Human Services
#conservatorship(s0683) #family&protectiveservices #departmentof(v0461) #family--childprotection(i0351) #humanservices--childservices(i0895)
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Bill Summary · HB 966

Legislative bill overview

HB 966 requires the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to provide notice to children in state conservatorship when a representative payee or fiduciary has been appointed to manage their benefits. The bill establishes notification procedures to ensure these children are informed about who controls their Social Security, SSI, or other benefits.

Why is this important

Children in DFPS conservatorship often receive government benefits but may have no knowledge of who manages them or how they're being used. This transparency measure protects vulnerable youth by ensuring they understand their financial arrangements and can verify proper management of their resources as they age out of foster care.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden: DFPS may argue compliance requires additional staff resources and systems to track and notify all eligible children, potentially increasing department costs
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill's language regarding which "benefits" trigger notice requirements and what constitutes adequate "notice" may need clarification to avoid inconsistent implementation
  • Timing and practicality: Questions about whether notices should occur at appointment, periodically, or upon request—and how to reach children who may be frequently moved between placements or lack stable contact information

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

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