A bill for an act relating to certain benefits received by children in foster care, and making an appropriation.

SF 481 requires Iowa's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create interest-bearing accounts for foster children receiving federal Social Security benefits or court-ordered child support. It directly affects children in foster care who qualify under three categories: those committed to HHS, with custody transferred to HHS, or voluntarily placed in foster care. The bill mandates that all such benefits be deposited into these accounts, which HHS must manage as trustee until the child turns 18, when funds are released directly to them. The legislation also appropriates $1.2 million for fiscal year 2025-2026 specifically to cover foster care costs related to these benefits.