Young people in foster care or with a history of foster care placement face challenges related to stable employment and housing. The State can help them by eliminating fees they may be unable to afford, while still holding them accountable in the event of minor violations.
HB 80 (Authors: Jarvis Johnson, Collier, Meza | Sponsor: Whitmire), Relating to the discharge by certain defendants of fines and costs through community service. A judge may not require a young person in foster care to pay any amount of the fines or court costs owed to the state upon a conviction. In lieu of requiring payment, the judge may require the young person to perform community service. Signed by the Governor; effective on 9/1/2021
SB 2054 (Author: Menéndez | Sponsors: White, Guillen, Jarvis Johnson, Noble), Relating to the payment of fees and costs associated with driver education and safety courses and driver’s license examinations for foster children or youth, former foster children or youth, and youth experiencing homelessness. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) must, on request, pay driver and traffic safety education fees for a person who is: (1) eligible for a driver’s license fee exemption as a foster child or youth, or as a child or youth experiencing homelessness, or (2) younger than 26 and either in foster care prior to their 18th birthday or a homeless child or youth. The TWC must establish a process whereby such individuals can apply for payment of those fees. Signed by the Governor; effective on 9/1/2021