HB256, expanding rights for foster, relative and fictive kin caregivers, approved by Georgia Legislature

A bill recently approved in both chambers, introduced by State Rep. Marcus Wiedower, aims to update the foster parents’ bill of rights by adding relative caregivers and fictive kin as official caregivers in Georgia, as stated by the Georgia State House.

The measure was passed on Thursday, April 2, earning unanimous support—171-0 in the House and 47-0 in the Senate.

Filed as HB256 on Tuesday, Feb. 4 during the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, the legislation is formally titled: ’Social services; foster parents bill of rights; revise provisions’.

Our summary below, based on the bill’s text, provides clarification of its key elements.

HB256 is intended to modify the Georgia Code’s language about the foster parents’ bill of rights, broadening it to name both relative caregivers and fictive kin as recognized caregivers for children in state care. The bill expands the definition of “foster parent” and details rights such as equitable treatment, input in care plans, and opportunities for training and reimbursements. Rights to information, grievance resolution, and participation as vital members of the child welfare team are included. An established grievance system is required to be published by July 1, 2025. The legislation takes effect after receiving the Governor’s approval or automatically if signed into law.

Support for the bill included 75 Democrats and 96 Republicans voting in favor within the House, with no votes against.

In the Senate, 18 Democrats and 29 Republicans also voted unanimously in support.

Rep. Rob Clifton (Republican-131st), Rep. Clint Crowe (Republican-118th), and Rep. Chuck Efstration (Republican-104th) served as co-sponsors, alongside three additional legislators.

Wiedower earned his degree from The University of Georgia in 1999.

Wiedower, a Republican, was elected to represent the 121st House District in the Georgia State House in 2023, following the tenure of Barry Fleming.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill into law on Monday, May 11.

Georgia’s legislative process typically begins when a legislator, often prompted by a constituent, works with the Office of Legislative Counsel on bill drafting. Once the bill is filed with the House or Senate clerk, it gets its first reading and is referred to a committee for review. If advanced, it reaches the chamber floor for further reading, debate, and a vote. To become law, it must receive approval from both chambers, or through a conference committee if there are discrepancies, and then move to the governor’s desk. The governor has six days during the session—or 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die)—to act on the bill. The Georgia General Assembly’s 40-day regular session starts each year on the second Monday in January.

Information for this report was provided by the Georgia State House. Source data can be accessed here.