Bill · H.R. 7529· House(119-HR-7529)
Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act
- Introduced
- 2/12/2026
- Last activity
- 5/11/2026 — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 557.
- Sponsored by
- Danny Davis
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 3
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
The Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act aims to change how States handle case planning for foster youth. It requires States to consider legal issues that impact housing, education, employment, and family connections. The bill also allows States to use funds from the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program to support access to legal services and counseling. This change involves updating the Social Security Act to include legal counseling access. The new requirements will take effect one year after the Act is enacted.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would children be better off under this?+3
The bill improves case planning processes for current foster youth.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+3
The bill supports the successful transition to adulthood for former foster youth through legal services and counseling.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+2
The bill provides legal support for foster youth who are often in low-income circumstances.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Case Planning: By requiring States to consider legal issues affecting housing, education, employment, and family connections, the bill aims to address specific obstacles faced by current and former foster youth (Section 2).
-
Increased Access to Support: The bill provides States the option to use funds from the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program to support access to legal services and counseling (Section 2).
-
Addressing Legal Barriers: The requirement for States to consider efforts needed to address issues like State court records, legal recognition of family relationships, and matters relating to custody and permanency could help youth navigate these specific legal hurdles (Section 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are mentioned in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+3Good For Young Adults+3Good For Low Income Households+2Good For People With Disabilities+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+1
- Education And Technology
- Improves School Choice+1
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+1
- 5/11/2026
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-640.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 557.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/29/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 42 - 0.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/12/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Darin LaHoodRepublican · Illinois
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
David SchweikertRepublican · Arizona