This bill amends the Foster Child Bill of Rights in West Virginia by adding a new provision that ensures foster children have the right to receive luggage for transporting their personal belongings. Specifically, it introduces a new section, 49-2-126a, which defines "luggage" and mandates the Department of Health and Human Resources to establish a decentralized supply of luggage for foster children. The department is required to provide luggage to children being removed from their homes or changing placements, ensuring that the luggage belongs to the child and cannot be reclaimed by the department or retained by foster parents.

Additionally, the bill requires the department to maintain records of instances where trash bags are used to transport a child's belongings instead of appropriate luggage, along with the reasons for such occurrences. An annual report summarizing these records and the department's inventory management practices for luggage will be submitted to the Legislature. The bill aims to enhance the dignity and well-being of foster children by ensuring they have proper means to carry their personal items, taking effect on September 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-126of, 49-2-126a