SENATOR TAYLOR returned HB 97 (PARENTAL CARE FOR CHILD IN                     
 STATE CUSTODY) to committee and invited ELMER LINDSTROM,                      
 Special Assistant to the Department of Health & Social                        
 Services, to testify.                                                         
                                                                               
 MR. LINDSTROM explained the bill, introduced by House HESS                    
 Committee at the request of the department, was a housekeeping                
 measure made necessary by a court decision in 1991 which would                
 change the way the department has always done business.  In                   
 that case, the Supreme Court ruled that the department must                   
 pay for the medical costs of children in state custody even                   
 though the children live with their parents.  He explained                    
 the decision might hold the state responsible for substantial                 
 costs such as food, shelter, and education.  He said the bill                 
 addresses the court decision.                                                 
                                                                               
 Number 228                                                                    
                                                                               
 SENATOR LITTLE asked if the parent's relative need was                        
 considered in the bill.  MR. LINDSTROM said a family in need                  
 would be eligible to apply for any of the other public                        
 assistance programs and have no effect on those families                      
 already on public assistance.                                                 
                                                                               
 SENATOR HALFORD moved to pass HOUSE BILL NO. 97 from committee                
 with individual recommendations.  Without objections, so                      
 ordered.