SB1994 Summary

• Removes provisions related to homeless minors from the Emancipation of Minors Act and repeals definitions of "homeless minor" and "youth transitional housing program" from that act.

• Establishes homeless minor eligibility criteria in the Children and Family Services Act, requiring minors to be ages 16-17, lack adequate housing, live apart from parents/guardians, and meet program acceptance requirements.

• Allows eligible homeless minors to consent to youth transitional housing program services (shelter, housing, case management, life skills training) without parental consent if they have received crisis intervention services and parental notification efforts have been made.

• Requires youth transitional housing programs to contact comprehensive community-based youth services agencies when an eligible homeless minor leaves or is dismissed prior to age 18, to help arrange alternative placements.

• Clarifies that the new provisions do not interfere with family integrity, parental rights, or other means of minor emancipation available under law.