KentuckyHB 6692026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to child welfare.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Children gain access to saved benefits

The Cabinet must create a Success Sequence Savings and Disbursement Plan for each child in its care with saved earned federal benefits. Children can receive part of their savings after completing Cabinet-approved money training and at least one independence or financial-readiness milestone. Examples include getting a driver's license or state ID, finishing high school or a recognized equivalent, enrolling in college, job training, or an apprenticeship, or holding verified employment for six consecutive months. The Cabinet sets reasonable payment thresholds and amounts, must provide access to money lessons and counseling, and must adopt rules for accounts, payments, reporting, education, and oversight. When care and custody end, remaining funds go to the child if at least 18 or emancipated; otherwise, they go to the person responsible for the child.

Help securing benefits for Kentucky children

Kentucky's Cabinet for Health and Family Services must check each child's earned federal benefits within 60 days of entering its care. It checks Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits, including survivor and dependent benefits, and applies when the child qualifies or may qualify. It must review each case annually for new eligibility. If a child already receives benefits or the Cabinet applies, it must identify a suitable benefits manager under federal rules. The Cabinet must consult the child and the child's attorney, and can apply to manage benefits only when no other suitable candidate is available.

Protecting savings for children in care

When the Cabinet manages a child's benefits, it cannot use the child's benefits, savings, or assets to repay state care costs. It must save earned federal benefits in the child's best interests while following federal and state asset limits. Allowed options include special needs trusts, pooled special needs trusts, ABLE disability savings accounts, and other accounts that preserve public-benefit eligibility. Each year, it must report how funds were used or saved to the child, the child's attorney, and parents or guardians whose parental rights remain. It must periodically review whether another qualified person or group can manage benefits and help transfer that role when appropriate.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

David Meade
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 256 • No: 9

House vote • 4/14/2026

passed

Yes: 91 • No: 3

Senate vote • 4/14/2026

passed

Yes: 31 • No: 5

Senate vote • 3/27/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 36 • No: 1

House vote • 3/9/2026