Summary of the Committee Version of the Bill

HB 1303 -- FOSTER CARE REIMBURSEMENT

SPONSOR:  Troupe

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Children,
Families and Health by a vote of 15 to 0.

This bill incrementally increases the reimbursement rate for the
cost of foster care over a five-year period until the rate equals
the minimum rate used for housing minimum security prisoners,
beginning in the 2004 fiscal year.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost to General Revenue Fund of $0 in FY
2003, $13,822,549 in FY 2004, and $28,654,686 in FY 2005.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that Missouri ranks 50th among the
states for the dollar amount allowed for foster care
reimbursement.  Most foster parents are devoted to providing a
nurturing and supportive environment.  Monetary considerations
are not the primary factor motivating them to become foster
parents.  The state should support devoted foster parents by
increasing the reimbursement rate.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Holand; Midwest
Foster Care and Adoption Association; Foster Care and Adoptive
Care Coalition; and Citizens for Missouri's Children.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

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Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:00 am