New bill aimed at helping kids in Texas foster care system takes effect in September
KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) - State Representative Hilary Hickland made a stop at the Bell County Child Welfare Board in Killeen to spread some good news.
Hickland presented signed copies of House Bill 4466 to each member of the board to commemorate the bill’s passing.
The bill waives fees needed for kids in the foster care system to get a copy of their birth certificate.
Bell County officials say it will save counties across the state thousands of dollars.
“Last year, we spent a little over $7,000 on birth certificates. That doesn’t sound like a lot, maybe to some people in government, but birth certificates are $23,” said Bell County Commissioner Louie Minor. “So, Bell County is paying for a lot of birth certificates.”
Children in the foster system need a copy of their birth certificate when they enroll at a school and for other essential parts of everyday life. The county was picking up the tab for the cost of obtaining the certificates.
The fees will now be waived, allowing the county to use the money to other needs.
According to Minor, the money being saved will go to the Welfare Board to help pay for food and clothing for foster children.
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