119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 9994
This bill prohibits child protective services from separating children from their parents solely because of poverty and requires states to develop services that help keep low-income families together, such as assistance with housing or employment. The legislation amends the Social Security Act's requirements for state child welfare plans, making it explicit that poverty alone cannot be grounds for removing a child from parental care. Within two years of enactment, the Department of Health and Human Services must report to Congress on how poverty affects child welfare investigations, removals, and foster care placements, along with recommendations for preventing family separations due to economic hardship. The bill affects state child protective services systems and families living in poverty, ensuring they receive support services rather than face automatic separation.