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HB 279

Sales and use tax; change certain definitions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shaw Blackmon and 5 co-sponsors

HB 279 ensures children in out-of-home care receive proper luggage instead of trash bags, enhancing their dignity and emotional well-being during transitions.

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Bill Summary · HB 279

Summary of HB 279: Luggage for Children Placed in Out-of-home Care

Bill Number: HB 279
Title: Luggage for Children Placed in Out-of-home Care
Status: Now in Human Services Subcommittee
Introduced: October 28, 2025
Sponsors: Bartleman (primary), Eskamani, Campbell, Driskell (cosponsors)

Purpose and Intent

The Fostering with Dignity Act (HB 279) aims to improve the emotional well-being and dignity of children placed in out-of-home care by ensuring they have appropriate luggage for their personal belongings. The bill addresses the current practice of using trash bags for transporting children's items, which can exacerbate feelings of disposability and distress.

Key Provisions

  1. Legislative Findings:

    • The bill recognizes that children in out-of-home care often use trash bags for their belongings, which negatively impacts their emotional state.
    • It mandates that every child in such care be provided with a reusable bag, suitcase, or backpack.

  2. Department of Children and Families (DCF) Requirements:

    • DCF is required to provide each child entering out-of-home care with a suitable piece of luggage.
    • The department must maintain a decentralized supply of luggage and develop procedures for its storage and distribution.
    • DCF is tasked with collaborating with community-based care lead agencies and other entities to ensure effective logistics and distribution.

  3. Funding Sources:

    • Funding for the luggage program may come from federal funds, matching grants, donations from community and business entities, and public-private partnerships.

  4. Reporting Requirements:

    • DCF must maintain records of instances where trash bags are used and submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing:
      • The number of times trash bags were used and reasons for not providing luggage.
      • Inventory management practices for the luggage supply.

  5. Amendments to Existing Statutes:

    • The bill amends sections 39.401 and 39.4085 of the Florida Statutes to align with the new luggage provisions, ensuring that children’s dignity and emotional well-being are prioritized.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • The bill directly impacts children placed in out-of-home care, ensuring they receive a piece of luggage that belongs to them and can be used for transporting their personal belongings.
    • It also affects the Department of Children and Families and community-based care agencies involved in the logistics and distribution of luggage.

  • Emotional and Psychological Benefits:

    • By providing children with suitable luggage, the bill aims to foster a sense of dignity and stability during a challenging transition period in their lives.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Actions:
    • The bill was filed on October 28, 2025, and has been referred to multiple subcommittees, including the Human Services Subcommittee, Health Care Budget Subcommittee, and Health & Human Services Committee.
    • As of November 4, 2025, the bill is currently in the Human Services Subcommittee for further consideration.

Conclusion

HB 279 represents a significant step towards enhancing the dignity and emotional well-being of children in out-of-home care by ensuring they have appropriate means to transport their belongings. Through its provisions, the bill seeks to create a more supportive environment for vulnerable children during difficult transitions.

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

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