88R11297 BDP-F     By: Lujan H.B. No. 2645       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a pilot program to increase the financial independence   of foster youth who are transitioning to independent living.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 264, Family Code, is   amended by adding Section 264.1215 to read as follows:          Sec. 264.1215.  PILOT PROGRAM FOR FINANCIAL TRANSITIONAL   LIVING SERVICES. (a) The department shall establish a pilot   program to assist foster youth to achieve financial security and   independence as the youth transition to independent living.          (b)  The department shall enter into an agreement with one or   more credit unions or other financial institutions to establish   savings and checking accounts for foster youth who, under an   agreement with the department and credit union or other financial   institution, participate in the pilot program. The agreement may   include, as appropriate, a requirement that the department and the   credit union or other financial institution together encourage the   foster youth participating in the program to open private savings   and checking accounts once the participants are no longer eligible   for foster care services.          (c)  The department shall include foster youth, including   foster youth who are age 17 and older, as participants in the pilot   program established under this section.          (d)  The department shall complete an evaluation of the pilot   program and shall submit a report on the evaluation of the pilot   program conducted under this subsection to the governor, lieutenant   governor, and speaker of the house of representatives not later   than December 31, 2026.          (e)  A foster youth may not be denied the rights granted   under Section 264.0111 to control money earned by the youth that is   deposited into savings and checking accounts under the pilot   program.          (f)  If the department is unable to enter into an agreement   with a credit union or other financial institution, the department   shall include in the report under Subsection (d) a description of   any legal or practical barriers that must be addressed to ensure   that foster youth are able to participate in the pilot program and   establish savings and checking accounts before the youth leave   foster care.          SECTION 2.  As soon as practicable after the effective date   of this Act, the Department of Family and Protective Services shall   establish the pilot program as required by Section 264.1215, Family   Code, as added by this Act.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.