Delegate proposes bill to end use of trash bags when moving foster children; patron to refine language

A patron from the subcommittee introduced legislation intended to reduce instances when foster children’s belongings are transported in garbage bags and to allow local departments of social services (LDSS) to accept and distribute donated luggage and work with nonprofits.

The patron said the bill responds to reports from the community that donated suitcases are not consistently provided and argued the legislation would humanize removals and enable LDSS to partner with nonprofits or corporations to obtain luggage. The patron said the Department of Social Services (DSS) was consulted and agreed to continue working with the patron; the patron also said a substitute is expected to give departments flexibility and to remove implementation language that might be onerous.

Committee members raised concerns about unintended implementation burdens. Delegate Del. O’Rourke asked whether strict prohibitions on disposable bags could delay placement; the patron said they would not support delaying a placement. Delegate Walker and others noted existing local nonprofit efforts to provide duffel bags and asked about potential costs. The patron said current draft language was a placeholder and that she would work with DSS to revise the bill and reduce potential costs to local departments.

The subcommittee voted to report the bill and refer it to Appropriations; the motion and vote count were recorded in committee minutes (vote tally not specified in the transcript). The patron committed to providing revised language to subcommittee members prior to the full committee meeting.