SB 170 - Under this act, the Children's Division shall determine whether a child coming into the custody of the Division is eligible for or receiving U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, Social Security, or Veterans Administration benefits within 60 days of entering the Division's legal custody. The Division shall apply for such benefits on the child's behalf if he or she is eligible, and shall only serve as a representative payee if no other candidate is suitable.

Currently, money in the child's accounts may be used by the Children's Division to pay for care or services for the child. Under this act, such money shall not be used to pay for care or services for the child. However, U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, Social Security, or Veterans Administration benefits may be used by the Division for the child's unmet needs beyond what the Division is otherwise obligated to pay.

Finally, the accounts in which the child's benefits shall be placed shall be established in a manner consistent with federal and state asset and resource limits.

This act is identical to a provision in SS#2/SB 862 (2024) and substantially similar to a provision in HCS/HB 2227 (2024).

SARAH HASKINS

Statutes affected:
Introduced (0915S.01): 210.560

---

Senate Committee Minutes:
SENATE COMMITTEE MINUTES Bill No.: SB 170
Sponsor: Burger
Hearing Date: 2/19/2025


COMMITTEE: Families, Seniors and Health

CHAIRMAN: Carter

DATE REFERRED: 1/23/2025 DATE HEARING REQUESTED:



STAFF:
Sarah Haskins
Heidi Kolkmeyer
Dennis Rhodes
Blake Thompson


WITNESSES GIVING INFORMATION:



WITNESSES FOR:
Madison Eacret - FosterAdopt Connect
Nikki Strong - Missouri Coalition for Children
David Winton - Kids Win MO, National Assoc. of Social Workers, Family Forward, Jewish Federation of St. Louis


WITNESSES AGAINST: