Homeless and foster youth housing bill temporarily postponed

The House has temporarily postponed a bill aiming to assist young homeless people and foster youth to find stable housing, raising questions about its future.

Hialeah Republican Rep. Alex Rizo and Pembroke Pines Democratic Rep. Marie Woodson sponsored the bipartisan legislation (HB 879).

Under the bill, Florida College System institutions and state universities would be required to develop plans to prioritize housing placements for students who are currently, or were formally, within the foster care system or are currently experiencing homelessness.

This would include university-operated housing, year-round housing and work-study opportunities. The bill would further restrict institutions and universities from requiring cosigners or guarantors for these students.

The Department of Children and Families, community-based care lead agencies and housing authorities would be mandated to administer housing programs like the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative.

During the bill’s last committee stop with the House Education and Employment Committee, where it passed with unanimous support, Woodson said the measure was important to ensure these students have the help they need to make something of themselves.

“We filed this bill to address the critical challenges faced by young adults who are homeless or have been previously in the child welfare system,” Woodson said. “These individuals often encounter significant barriers when accessing higher education. Unstable housing, as we know there’s a housing crisis that can hinder the ability to achieve independence and build successful futures.”

Woodson noted that the legislation is a commitment to protecting and empowering young, vulnerable adults, and helping to transition from foster care and homelessness to becoming independent, self-sufficient and productive members of society.

The measure does not state what the fiscal impact, if any, it would have on the state budget.

On Wednesday, the Senate unanimously passed a similar bill (SB 584), sponsored by Miami Republican Sen. Ileana Garcia.