The committee voted to report proposed substitute House Bill 1509 out of committee with a due pass recommendation after members debated moving the family reconciliation program from a state-run model to community-based providers.

Representative Taylor urged support for the change, saying, “I’m urging your support of the family reconciliation program that is, transitioning from a state run program to a community based program that can more easily meet the needs of, individuals and their family.”

The bill’s backers told the committee the community-based model would allow more flexible, locally tailored services for young people in acute family conflict. Representative Dent said he saw “a lot of positive in this bill” and called for continuing work to reduce the bill’s fiscal note before final passage. Ranking Member Aslick and other members expressed concern about shifting services out of state offices; Aslick said some social workers told her “we don’t want this to move from our DCYF offices” and suggested community family support centers might be preferable in some locations.

Clerks then called the roll. The committee recorded eight yes votes, two no votes recorded as “do not pass,” and one no recorded “without recommendation.” By voice, the chair announced, “By your vote, sub, house bill 1509 is reported out to me with a due pass recommendation.”

The committee’s discussion emphasized the need to phase implementation “over time at a fiscal rate that our budget will allow,” in Representative Taylor’s words, and members repeatedly pressed for clarity on where training and support for providers would come from if the program shifts to community organizations.

No amendments were reported on the record during the discussion. The committee directed that the measure be reported out with a due pass recommendation to the next legislative stage.

Votes at a glance: House Bill 1509 — reported out of committee with a due pass recommendation (tally on the record: 8 yes; 2 no, do not pass; 1 no, without recommendation).