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Bill

A 8036

Requires commissioners of local social services districts to screen, apply for, and use and conserve federal benefits on behalf of children placed in foster care

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Bores and 1 co-sponsor

Requires local social services commissioners to screen foster children for federal benefits, apply on their behalf, and manage/commit benefits to support each child's welfare.

REFERRED TO SOCIAL SERVICES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 8036

Summary of Assembly Bill A 8036

Overview

Bill A 8036 would require commissioners of local social services districts to actively identify, pursue, and manage federal benefits for children placed in foster care. The primary sponsor is Andrew Hevesi. The bill was introduced on April 22, 2025 and referred to the Social Services committee. A Senate companion, S 7778, exists.

Purpose and Intent

  • To ensure foster children receive available federal benefits by delegating a formal responsibility to local social services commissioners.
  • The bill aims to streamline the process of identifying eligible federal benefits, applying for them on behalf of foster children, and ensuring those benefits are used and conserved for the children’s benefit.

Key Provisions

  • Requires commissioners of local social services districts to screen foster children for federal benefits.
  • Requires commissioners to apply for eligible federal benefits on behalf of foster children.
  • Requires commissioners to use and conserve the federal benefits obtained for the benefit of the foster children.
  • The provisions suggest ongoing administration of eligibility screening, application, and management of benefits for children in foster care, though detailed procedures are not provided in the summary.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Local social services districts and their commissioners (the primary actors responsible for implementing the duties).
  • Children placed in foster care within these districts.
  • Potentially foster families and guardians who rely on the benefits to support the children’s well-being.
  • State and local administrative systems that administer or coordinate federal benefits.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: April 22, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to the Social Services committee (assembly level).
  • Legislative actions shown: 2025-04-22 — REFERRED TO SOCIAL SERVICES.
  • There is a Senate companion bill (S 7778), indicating parallel consideration in another chamber.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Administrative Impact: Local districts would take on explicit duties to screen, apply for, and manage federal benefits for foster children, potentially increasing workload and requiring coordination with federal programs.
  • Financial Impact: While not specified, securing federal benefits could provide additional financial resources for foster care, services, and supports for children.
  • Compliance and Oversight: The bill would likely necessitate new policies, documentation standards, and reporting to ensure benefits are properly identified and conserved for each child.
  • Timelines: As the bill is in committee, passage would depend on subsequent committee action, potential amendments, and votes in the Assembly (and Senate for the companion).

Note: The summary reflects the bill text and status provided; final provisions and exact fiscal implications would be clarified in committee analyses and the enacted language.

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

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