Hall Bill to Help Foster Kids Clears First Hurdle

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry, has advanced legislation to ease the transition for Oklahoma’s foster children as they move placements.

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Monday unanimously passed Senate Bill 1377, which would require the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to provide a duffel bag to foster children who lack luggage for their personal belongings.

Hall, a former foster parent, said this issue is near and dear to his heart.

“Too often, children in the foster care system are forced to pack everything they own into a garbage bag as they move between foster homes,” Hall said. “That experience can take a toll on a child’s self-worth and mental well-being, and it sends the wrong message about how our system treats vulnerable kids.”

To make the transitions between homes easier, each duffel bag would include personal hygiene items and other basic necessities. Hall said that while many foster parents provide these items, some moves happen unexpectedly, or on short notice, and giving a child a duffel bag with essential items ensures they have what they need to feel at home in their new placement.

“No child should feel like their well-being is an afterthought,” Hall said. “As the state works toward reuniting children with their parents, this legislation aims to provide kids stability and comfort during what can be an incredibly challenging transition.”

SB 1377 passed the Health and Human Services Committee in an 11-0 vote. This bill now awaits a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Chuck Hall at (405) 521-2628 or Chuck.Hall@oksenate.gov