An act relating to a pilot program to provide direct cash transfers to youth exiting foster care

This bill establishes a two-year pilot program in Vermont to provide monthly $1,000 cash transfers to youth leaving the foster care system. The program is voluntary, and participants must complete annual surveys to assess their progress in finances, health, employment, housing, and education. The cash transfers are designed to be tax-free and will not count toward eligibility for other state and federal benefits like SNAP, medical assistance, or financial aid. Funding of $650,000 is allocated for the 2024 fiscal year, and the Department for Children and Families must submit a final report by November 2025 with findings and recommendations.