The bill amends the existing foster care and adoption services law in Michigan by adding a new section, 8g, which outlines the notification requirements for the Department of Health and Human Services regarding benefits for children in foster care. Under this new section, the department is required to notify the child in foster care, through their guardian ad litem if appointed, and the supervising child placement agency of any applications for benefits made on behalf of the child, decisions regarding those applications, and any appeals or actions taken by the department. Additionally, if the department serves as the representative payee for the child, it must inform the child and the agency about the benefits received and the child's assets before each permanency planning hearing.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that all payments received as benefits are the property of the child in foster care. Upon termination of the department's responsibility for the child, any remaining funds must be released to the child if they are 18 or emancipated, to the responsible person if the child is under 18 and not emancipated, or to the child's heirs in the event of the child's death. The bill also clarifies that these provisions do not affect any additional notice requirements mandated by the court. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, contingent upon the enactment of House Bill No. 4750.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 722.951, 722.960
Senate Introduced Bill: 722.951, 722.960
As Passed by the Senate: 722.951, 722.960
As Passed by the House: 722.951, 722.960
Senate Concurred Bill: 722.951, 722.960
Senate Enrolled Bill: 722.951, 722.960