| This week, a bill I am sponsoring that would ensure children in foster care who don’t have a reliable guardian can be financially independent advanced in the legislative process. House Bill 1441 would allow a foster youth at least 16 years old or an emancipated minor under the age of 18 to open a savings or checking account at a bank or savings union without an adult cosigner. These accounts can be opened in the child’s name with the consent of a juvenile court with jurisdiction over the child. Currently, any minor under 18 years of age is required to have an adult cosigner for these types of accounts. Unfortunately, these children are not always in a stable placement with a reliable adult. This week, HB 1441 passed the Senate Committee of Insurance and Financial Institutions and will now to move to the Senate floor. |
