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SB 826 - This act modifies several provisions relating to child protection, including: (1) a minor's ability to contract; (2) a minor's access to vital records; and (3) MO HealthNet benefits for certain youth. A MINOR'S ABILITY TO CONTRACT (Section 431.056) Under this act, a minor's ability to contract shall include obtaining mental health records if he or she meets certain qualifications specified in current law, including through the implied consent of the minor's parent or legal guardian. Implied consent may be demonstrated by a letter verifying the minor is an unaccompanied youth signed by: (1) a director or designee of a governmental or nonprofit agency that receives public or private funding to provide services to homeless persons; (2) a local education agency liaison for homeless children or youth designated under federal law or a school social worker or counselor; or (3) a licensed attorney representing the minor in any legal matter. Any entity or licensed provider who contracts with a minor under this act shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability based on the entity's or provider's determination to contract with the minor, unless the entity's or provider's determination is the result of the entity's or provider's negligence or willful or wanton acts or omissions. Consent given under this provision shall not be subject to later disaffirmance by reason of the minor's age. This provision is identical to HB 1288 (2020). A MINOR'S ACCESS TO VITAL RECORDS (Section 193.265) Under this act, a parent or guardian of a homeless child or homeless youth or an unaccompanied youth shall not be charged a fee for copies of vital records. An unaccompanied youth shall not be required to have the consent or signature of his or her parent or guardian for a certification or a copy of his or her own birth record. This provision is identical to HB 1286 (2020). MO HEALTHNET BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN YOUTH (Section 208.151) Under this act, persons who were in foster care in Missouri at any time when they were 13 years old or older shall be eligible for MO HealthNet benefits if they are under 26 years old, are not in another mandatory coverage group, and were covered by Medicaid when they were in foster care. Additionally, any homeless child or homeless youth shall be eligible for MO HealthNet benefits. This provision is substantially similar to HB 1287 (2020). SARAH HASKINS
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