House Bill No. 7043, also known as Special Act No. 25-6, mandates that the Commissioner of Children and Families submit a comprehensive report by January 1, 2026, to the relevant joint standing committee of the General Assembly. This report will detail the foster care maintenance payments provided to foster parents in Connecticut, covering aspects such as the payment rates and schedule, a comparison with neighboring jurisdictions, an analysis of the feasibility of increasing these rates, and legislative recommendations for any proposed rate increases.

The bill does not contain any deletions from current law but introduces new legal language that emphasizes the need for a thorough examination of the foster care payment system. This includes a focus on the adequacy of current rates and potential adjustments to better support foster families in the state. The report aims to provide a foundation for future legislative action regarding foster care maintenance payments.