The House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services voted to advance Senate Bill 1016A to the floor on May 1 after sponsor staff summarized the measure and committee members offered brief comments. The bill would permanently require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to maintain a supply of appropriate carriers for child‑welfare caseworkers to use when transporting a foster child’s personal effects and would prohibit DHS from using trash bags for that purpose.

Committee staff summarized the bill as removing a requirement that youth in independent living facilities pay housing costs, authorizing limited exemptions to criminal record checks for certain placements, requiring DHS to keep luggage carriers for transporting foster children’s effects, and requiring DHS reporting on the use of luggage carriers and trash bags. The staff presentation said the measure has a minimal fiscal impact and no revenue impact.

Vice Chair Scharf moved the bill to the floor with a due‑pass recommendation. Representative Walter and other members praised the measure; one member said it will “make a big difference” and described the bill as addressing an overlooked but meaningful practice. The roll call recorded multiple aye votes and several excused members; Vice Chair Scharf was recorded as the mover and Representative Elmer later agreed to be the bill carrier.

Committee members spoke to the bill’s human‑impact framing during a short discussion, and members expressed emotional support for the change. The transcript records the motion, a brief statement of appreciation from Representative Walter, and the roll call announcing the motion passed and naming a carrier. The committee closed the work session and moved on to other items.