89R1528 AMF-D     By: Hull H.B. No. 4655       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the Preparation for Adult Living Program and other   services for foster children transitioning to independent living.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 264.121, Family Code, is amended by   amending Subsections (a-2) and (i) and adding Subsection (j) to   read as follows:          (a-2)  The experiential life-skills training under   Subsection (a-1) must include:                (1)  a financial literacy education program developed   in collaboration with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner   and the State Securities Board that:                      (A)  includes instruction on:                            (i)  obtaining and interpreting a credit   score, including information about different scores produced by   credit reporting agencies;                            (ii)  protecting, repairing, and improving a   credit score;                            (iii)  the risks of payday loans, unsecured   loans, and motor vehicle title loans;                            (iv)  avoiding predatory lending practices,   including an explanation of interest rates and usurious interest;                            (v)  identifying and avoiding financial   scams;                            (vi) [(iv)]  saving money and accomplishing   financial goals through prudent financial management practices;                            (vii) [(v)]  using basic banking and   accounting skills, including opening and using a bank account,   balancing a checkbook, and creating a balanced budget;                            (viii) [(vi)]  using debit and credit cards   responsibly;                            (ix) [(vii)]  understanding a paycheck and   items withheld from a paycheck;                            (x) [(viii)]  understanding the time   requirements and process for filing federal taxes;                            (xi) [(ix)]  protecting financial, credit,   and personally identifying information in personal and   professional relationships and online;                            (xii) [(x)]  forms of identity and credit   theft; and                            (xiii) [(xi)]  using insurance to protect   against the risk of financial loss; and                      (B)  assists a youth who has a source of income to:                            (i)  establish a savings plan and, if   available, a savings account that the youth can independently   manage; and                            (ii)  prepare a monthly budget that includes   the following expenses:                                  (a)  rent based on the monthly rent for   an apartment advertised for lease during the preceding month;                                  (b)  utilities based on a reasonable   utility bill in the area in which the youth resides;                                  (c)  telephone service based on a   reasonable bill for telephone service in the area in which the youth   resides;                                  (d)  Internet service based on a   reasonable bill for Internet service in the area in which the youth   resides; and                                  (e)  other reasonable monthly   expenses; and                (2)  for youth who are 17 years of age or older, lessons   related to:                      (A)  financing a motor vehicle, including   information about the types of financing available for the purchase   of a motor vehicle and the risks of subprime and buy-here-pay-here   motor vehicle loans;                      (B)  insurance, including applying for and   obtaining motor vehicle [automobile] insurance and residential   property insurance, including tenants insurance;                      (C) [(B)]  civic engagement, including the   process for registering to vote, the places to vote, and resources   for information regarding upcoming elections; and                      (D) [(C)]  the documents the youth is required to   receive under Subsection (e-1) prior to being discharged from   foster care and how those documents may be used.          (i)  The department shall ensure that the transition plan for   each youth 16 years of age or older includes provisions to assist   the youth in managing the youth's housing needs after the youth   leaves foster care, including provisions that:                (1)  identify the cost of housing in relation to the   youth's sources of income, including any benefits or rental   assistance available to the youth;                (2)  if the youth's housing goals include residing with   family or friends, state that the department has addressed the   following with the youth:                      (A)  the length of time the youth expects to stay   in the housing arrangement;                      (B)  expectations for the youth regarding paying   rent and meeting other household obligations;                      (C)  the youth's psychological and emotional   needs, as applicable; and                      (D)  any potential conflicts with other household   members, or any difficulties connected to the type of housing the   youth is seeking, that may arise based on the youth's psychological   and emotional needs;                (3)  inform the youth about emergency shelters and   housing resources, including supervised independent living and   housing at colleges and universities, such as dormitories;                (4)  require the department to review a common rental   application and a common rental contract with the youth and ensure   that the youth possesses all of the documentation required to   obtain rental housing; and                (5)  identify any individuals who are able to serve as   cosigners or references on the youth's applications for housing.          (j)  The department shall ensure that the transition plan for   each youth 16 years of age or older includes information about   securing or transferring governmental assistance the youth may   qualify for, including:                (1)  social security benefits;                (2)  veteran or service member benefits;                (3)  supplemental nutrition assistance;                (4)  special supplemental nutrition assistance for   women, infants, and children;                (5)  temporary assistance for needy families; and                (6)  housing assistance.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.