The California Assembly on Tuesday unanimously approved Assembly Bill AB 1080, legislation that protects foster youth from being charged for the cost of their own care and ensures they retain full access to certain benefits.
The measure, introduced by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), extends existing protections to retirement and disability insurance benefits for youth in foster care.
“Two years ago, we passed a bill that prohibited county agencies from collecting foster youth survivor benefits and using them to reimburse themselves,” Bryan said on the Assembly floor. “This bill continues that progress by extending that prohibition to the rest of Title II benefits, which include retirement and disability insurance benefits.”
AB 1080 is part of ongoing efforts by California lawmakers to provide financial fairness for vulnerable youth. Bryan noted the legislation has received bipartisan support, reflecting shared recognition of the need to prevent counties from using foster youth benefits to offset administrative costs.
“Our previous efforts have had bipartisan support, and I respectfully ask your aye vote,” he said.
The Assembly approved the bill with 67 “aye” votes and no opposition, moving it forward in the legislative process for further consideration. Supporters said the measure strengthens protections for foster youth by ensuring they receive the full benefits earned on their behalf, without financial deductions by county agencies.