I
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4602
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
October 4, 2019
Mr. Brady (for himself, Mrs. Walorski, and Mr. Luetkemeyer) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
A BILL
To amend subpart 2 of part B of title IV of the Social Security Act to extend State court funding for child welfare, and for other purposes.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Continuation of Useful Resources to States Act
or COURTS Act
.
Extension of State court funding for child welfare
In general
Section 436(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 629f) is amended by striking 2017 through 2021
and inserting 2022 through 2028
.
Program changes
Section 438 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 629h) is amended—
in subsection (a)—
in paragraph (2)—
in subparagraph (A), by inserting in a timely and complete manner
before , as set forth
; and
in subparagraph (C), by striking the semicolon and inserting , including by training judges, attorneys, and other legal personnel.
; and
by striking paragraphs (3) and (4);
in subsection (b)—
by striking paragraph (2);
by striking all that precedes be eligible to receive
and inserting the following:
Applications
In order to
; and
in the matter preceding paragraph (2)—
by moving the matter 2 ems to the left;
in subparagraph (A)—
by striking (A) in the case of a grant for the purpose described in subsection (a)(3),
and inserting (1)
; and
by inserting use not less than 30 percent of grant funds to
before collaborate
;
in subparagraph (B), by striking (B) in the case of a grant for the purpose described in subsection (a)(4),
and inserting (2)
; and
in subparagraph (C), by striking (C) in the case of a grant for the purpose described in subsection (a),
and inserting (3)
;
by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
Amount of grant
In general
From the amounts reserved under sections 436(b)(2) and 437(b)(2) for a fiscal year, each highest State court that has an application approved under this section for the fiscal year shall be entitled to payment of an amount equal to the sum of—
$255,000; and
the amount described in paragraph (2) with respect to the court and the fiscal year.
Amount described
The amount described in this paragraph with respect to a court and a fiscal year is the amount that bears the same ratio to the total of the amounts reserved under sections 436(b)(2) and 437(b)(2) for grants under this section for the fiscal year (after applying paragraphs (1)(A) and (3) of this subsection) as the number of individuals in the State in which the court is located who have not attained 21 years of age bears to the total number of such individuals in all States with a highest State court that has an approved application under this section for the fiscal year.
Indian tribes
From the amounts reserved under section 436(b)(2) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall, before applying paragraph (1) of this subsection, allocate $1,000,000 for grants to be awarded on a competitive basis among the highest courts of Indian tribes or tribal consortia that—
are operating a program under part E, in accordance with section 479B;
are seeking to operate a program under part E and have received an implementation grant under section 476; or
have a court responsible for proceedings related to foster care or adoption.
; and
in subsection (d), by striking 2017 through 2021
and inserting 2018 through 2022
.
Effective date
The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2019.
Adjustment to the TANF Contingency Fund for State Welfare Programs
Section 403(b)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 603(b)(2)) is amended by striking 2018
and all that follows and inserting 2020 $468,000,000, and for fiscal year 2021 such sums as are necessary for payment to the Fund in a total amount not to exceed $608,000,000.
.
