2021-03-01                     House Journal                      Page 0244
HB 119                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 119 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act relating to medical assistance for recipients of adult foster                                                      
     care services; establishing an adult foster care home license and                                                          
     procedures; and providing for the transition of individuals from                                                           
     foster care to adult foster care homes."                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services                                                            
and Finance Committees.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1.  Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services                                                                                   
2.  Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services                                                                                   
3.  Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services                                                                                   

2021-03-01                     House Journal                      Page 0245
The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 26 follows:                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Stutes:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to certain individuals                                                          
transitioning from foster care services to adult foster care services.                                                          
                                                                                                                                
This proposal addresses an urgent need to establish safe residential                                                            
living environments for certain foster children who must transition out                                                         
of the foster care system upon turning 18 years of age. This bill                                                               
provides a means for current foster parents to transition their existing                                                        
foster care license, to a new adult foster care home license in order to                                                        
allow their foster child to remain in the same home, and with the same                                                          
family, when the child is released from state custody. The foster child                                                         
must meet certain requirements, have been in state custody prior to                                                             
turning 18, have been residing in the foster home, and must be eligible                                                         
to receive home- and community-based waiver services.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
This new license will provide structured services and family continuity                                                         
by allowing eligible foster children to continue living with their                                                              
current foster family after aging out of the traditional foster care                                                            
system. By providing this transitional assistance, we can assure that                                                           
vulnerable citizens receive continued and responsible care into                                                                 
adulthood.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor"