This bill mandates the Office of Child Advocate to conduct two specific studies related to costs and reimbursement rates associated with foster care and legal representation for children in custody due to abuse and neglect allegations. Starting in fiscal year 2027, the office is required to perform a study every five years to evaluate the costs and reimbursement rates for community-based foster care placements and treatments. Additionally, a study every six years will assess the costs and reimbursement rates for legal representation for these children. The studies will include various cost factors, such as payments to resource families and legal service expenses, and must be redacted for confidentiality before being submitted to the legislative finance committee.

The bill also includes an appropriation of $200,000 from the general fund to support the Office of Child Advocate in conducting these studies in fiscal year 2027, with any unspent funds reverting to the general fund at the end of the fiscal year. The effective date for the provisions of this act is set for July 1, 2026.