The proposed bill, General Assembly Committee Bill No. 6182, aims to extend financial assistance for the postsecondary education expenses of foster youth. It mandates the Commissioner of Children and Families to amend existing policies to increase the eligibility age for funding from twenty-one to twenty-six years for initial qualification and from twenty-three to twenty-eight years for those already enrolled in a postsecondary education program. Additionally, the bill stipulates that eligible youth must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and apply for relevant scholarships and grants each year they are enrolled in a postsecondary program to continue receiving funding.

The bill also clarifies that the Department of Children and Families is not required to provide case management services for youth who begin receiving funding after turning twenty-one. This legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2023, and aims to support foster youth in achieving their educational goals by extending financial assistance and establishing necessary application requirements for continued funding.