Maryland legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Maryland HB768: Department of Human Services - Benefits for Children in Custody - Alterations
Status: Passed one chamber, April 13, 2026
Altering certain provisions relating to the responsibilities of the Department of Human Services as representative payee and fiduciary for certain children committed to the custody of the Department; requiring the Department to use certain benefits in a manner that is in the best interest of the child including using the benefits for services for certain special needs; and requiring The Secretary to establish and maintain a foster youth savings program to conserve additional resources to assist youth in transitioning to independence.
What the bill says
From the chaptered text, March 16, 2026:
HB0768/413829/1 BY: Appropriations Committee AMENDMENTS TO HOUSE BILL 768 (First Reading File Bill) AMENDMENT NO. 1 On page 1, in line 5, after "Department;" insert "requiring the Secretary of Human Services to establish and maintain a foster youth savings program to conserve additional resources to assist youth in transitioning to independence, subject to the availability of funds;"; and after line 11, insert: "BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Family Law Section 5-527.1 Annotated Code of Maryland (2019 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) (As enacted by Section 1 of this Act)". AMENDMENT NO. 2 On pages 1 through 6, strike in their entirety the lines beginning with line 16 on page 1 through line 7 on page 6, inclusive, and substitute: "(a) This section applies to children committed to the custody of the Department. (b) When applying for benefits under this section for a child in the Department's custody, the Department shall, in cooperation with the child's attorney, identify a representative payee or fiduciary in accordance with the requirements of 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.2021 and 416.621. (c) Consistent with federal law, when the Department serves as the representative payee or in any other fiduciary capacity for a child receiving [Veterans HB0768/413829/01 Appropriations Committee Amendments to HB 768 Administration] U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS benefits, Supplemental Security Income, or Social …