New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A09482

Introduced
1/7/26  
Refer
1/7/26  
Report Pass
1/12/26  
Refer
1/12/26  
Report Pass
1/13/26  
Refer
1/13/26  
Report Pass
1/13/26  
Engrossed
1/20/26  
Refer
1/20/26  
Engrossed
1/29/26  
Enrolled
2/13/26  
Chaptered
2/13/26  

Caption

Requires the local social services districts to provide luggage to children in foster care; provides that eligible expenditures for such luggage shall be subject to state reimbursement under the foster care block grant.

Impact

The passage of A09482 is intended to enhance the services provided to children in foster care, addressing a significant gap where many foster children rely on makeshift bags or disposables like trash bags for their personal items. The bill specifies that expenses incurred by local social services districts for the provision of luggage will be eligible for reimbursement under the foster care block grant. This change not only allows better tracking and support for these children but also promotes a more respectful and supportive environment for their belongings during difficult transitions.

Summary

Bill A09482 requires local social services districts in New York State to provide luggage to children in foster care who do not have appropriate luggage of their own. This bill aims to ensure that foster youth receive new or like-new luggage, enabling them to transport their belongings more dignifiedly during transitional phases in their lives, such as entering or exiting foster care, moving between placements, or transitioning to college. By mandating this provision, the bill underscores the importance of proper support for children in foster care as they navigate unstable living situations.

Contention

During discussions surrounding A09482, some points of contention emerged related to funding and the implementation of the policy. Critics argue that while the intent behind the bill is noble, the requirement could place an additional financial burden on local districts that may already be facing budget constraints. Supporters counter that the benefits of providing proper luggage outweigh the costs, and the state has an obligation to assist vulnerable populations. There are also discussions about how to ensure effective distribution and monitoring of the luggage program to prevent any misuse or logistical issues.

Companion Bills

NY S08791

Same As Requires the local social services districts to provide luggage to children in foster care; provides that eligible expenditures for such luggage shall be subject to state reimbursement under the foster care block grant.

Previously Filed As

NY S08791

Requires the local social services districts to provide luggage to children in foster care; provides that eligible expenditures for such luggage shall be subject to state reimbursement under the foster care block grant.

NY SF4882

Responsible social services agencies requirement to provide luggage for children in foster care

NY HF4732

Responsible social services agencies required to provide luggage for children in foster care.

NY S845

Luggage for Children Placed in Foster Care

NY HB0010

DCFS-LUGGAGE FOR FOSTER KIDS

NY SR76

Requests the Department of Children and Family Services to provide information regarding luggage provided to foster children.

NY S03781

Requires the office of children and family services to provide luggage to youth in foster care; provides that such luggage shall be distributed to social services districts for distribution to foster care youth; requires the office of children and family services to submit an annual report to the governor and the legislature about the distribution of luggage to foster care youth.

NY A05434

Requires the office of children and family services to provide luggage to youth in foster care; provides that such luggage shall be distributed to social services districts for distribution to foster care youth; requires the office of children and family services to submit an annual report to the governor and the legislature about the distribution of luggage to foster care youth.

NY H0279

Luggage for Children Placed in Out-of-home Care

NY S0306

Luggage for Children Placed in Out-of-home Care

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