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Bill

SB 306

TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO APPLY FOR A HOME- AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES WAIVER FOR THE AGING AND ELDERLY POPULATION IN THIS STATE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lee Johnson and 1 co-sponsor

SB 306 ensures children in out-of-home care receive suitable luggage for their belongings, promoting dignity and emotional well-being during transitions.

Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · SB 306

Summary of SB 306: Luggage for Children Placed in Out-of-home Care

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: SB 306
- Title: Luggage for Children Placed in Out-of-home Care
- Status: Filed
- Introduced: October 28, 2025
- Primary Sponsor: Senator Berman
- Cosponsor: Senator Garcia

Purpose and Intent

SB 306, also known as the Fostering with Dignity Act, aims to enhance the dignity and emotional well-being of children placed in out-of-home care by providing them with suitable luggage for transporting their personal belongings. The bill addresses the current practice of using trash bags, which can contribute to feelings of disposability and emotional distress among these children.

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.

  2. Luggage Provision:

    • The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is mandated to provide each child entering out-of-home care or changing placements with a piece of suitable luggage (e.g., suitcase, duffle bag, or backpack).
    • The luggage provided will belong to the child and cannot be reclaimed by the DCF or retained by any adult with whom the child is placed.

  3. Collaboration and Partnerships:

    • DCF is required to collaborate with community-based care lead agencies, advocacy groups, and private entities to ensure effective logistics and distribution of luggage.
    • The department is encouraged to pursue public-private partnerships to facilitate these efforts.

  4. Record Keeping:

    • DCF must maintain records of instances where trash bags are used for transporting belongings, including reasons for not providing suitable luggage.

  5. Reporting Requirements:

    • Starting July 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, DCF must submit a report to the Legislature detailing the use of trash bags and inventory management of luggage supplies.

  6. Funding Sources:

    • DCF is authorized to solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations to support the luggage provision initiative, including federal funds and partnerships with community entities.

  7. Amendments to Existing Statutes:

    • The bill amends sections 39.401 and 39.4085 of the Florida Statutes to align with the new provisions regarding luggage for children in out-of-home care.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • The bill directly impacts children placed in out-of-home care in Florida, ensuring they have a dignified means to transport their belongings.
    • It also affects the Department of Children and Families, which will need to implement new procedures and maintain records.

  • Emotional and Social Benefits:

    • By providing suitable luggage, the bill aims to promote emotional stability and a sense of dignity for children during transitions in their care.

Procedural Aspects

  • Effective Date: The bill will take effect upon becoming law, with specific provisions requiring reports starting July 1, 2027.
  • Legislative Process: The bill is currently filed and will undergo further legislative review and potential amendments before being voted on.

This summary provides an overview of SB 306, highlighting its intent to improve the experiences of children in out-of-home care through the provision of suitable luggage, thereby fostering dignity and emotional well-being.

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

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