This bill mandates the Children, Youth and Families Department to conduct a study every five years starting in fiscal year 2026, focusing on the costs and reimbursement rates associated with community-based foster care placements and treatments. The study will assess various costs, including those related to the safety and well-being of children and resource families, as well as reimbursements for necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. The findings from these studies are to be submitted to the legislative finance committee, with the first report due by December 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $100,000 from the general fund to the Children, Youth and Families Department for the fiscal year 2026 to facilitate the rate study. Any funds that remain unspent or unencumbered at the end of that fiscal year will revert back to the general fund. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.