The Missouri Legislature could send another bill to Gov. Mike Kehoe’s desk soon that aims to protect money that is owed to foster kids. Under the legislation sponsored by Rep. Melissa Schmidt, R-Eldridge, the state would be prohibited from seizing money given to foster kids if their parents die, such as VA and Social Security benefits.
The House could give the legislation final approval sometime this week.
Sen. Jamie Burger, R-Benton, co-sponsored the bill.
“The House has added two more provisions – one dealing with the placement of a child and ensuring that the child is placed in a home of the same faith as one or both of the parents,” he said. “The second stating that a person does not commit the offense of abuse or neglect by allowing the children to participate in independent activities (without adult supervision).”
Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, supports the legislation.
“Sometimes people want to take in the child just because of the money that comes with the child and it’s not always the best situation for the child,” she said. “So, I hope that we’re always keeping an eye on those kids and making sure people aren’t getting custody of a kid or becoming a guardian of a kid if it’s not in the best interest of the child.”
The bill also prohibits anyone under 18 from getting married.
The Senate approved an amendment from Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis, that would require the AMBER Alert system to include abducted or missing black youth.
“Whereas we make up very small percentage of the population, we make up way more than 40% of the missing youth,” said May. “I’m talking about children 18 and under. Instead of them being listed as missing persons, so we can continue to do the investigation and keep the investigation open, they list them as runaways.”
The bill does, however, allow the state to use the benefits for “unmet needs” outside of what the state is obligated to provide.
The overall measure has received bipartisan support in both chambers.
Copyright © 2025, Missourinet.