State option to extend a child welfare demonstration project

(a)

In general

Section 1130(d)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a–9(d)(2)) is amended— (1)by striking In no event and inserting the following:

(A)

In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), in no event

; and

(2)by adding at the end the following:

(B)

State option to extend termination date

(i)

Notice of extension

Any State conducting a demonstration project under this section that is scheduled to terminate on September 30, 2019, may notify the Secretary at any time prior to August 31, 2019, in such form and manner as the Secretary may require, that the State elects to extend the termination date of the demonstration project, on the same terms and conditions, for such additional period as the State may determine, but in no event beyond September 30, 2021. (ii)

Transition plan required

No State conducting a demonstration project described in clause (i) may extend the termination date of the project unless the State includes with the notice provided under clause (i) a plan specifying— (I)how the State will transition from the demonstration project to compliance with the requirements of the amendments made by sections 50741(a), 50741(b), and 50742 of Public Law 115–123 by September 30, 2021; and (II)the measures the State will implement to improve permanency outcomes and reduce emancipation from foster care during the remainder of the demonstration project. (iii)

Effect of extension on certain requirements

If a State submits a notice under clause (i) and a transition plan described in clause (ii) to the Secretary, then— (I)during the period the State continues to conduct a demonstration project under this section, the amendments made by sections 50741(a), 50741(b), and 50742 of Public Law 115–123, to the extent such amendments are inconsistent with the terms of the demonstration project, shall not apply with respect to that State; and (II)the State shall be deemed to have requested a delayed effective date under section 50746(b)(2) of Public Law 115–123 for the same period. (iv)

Application to county-administered and hybrid-administered child welfare services

In the case of a demonstration project described in clause (i) that is administered by 1 or more counties of a State, or that is partially administered by a State and partially administered by a 1 or more counties of a State, each State with such an administrative system shall, as a condition of having the State plans under parts B and E of title IV approved for fiscal year 2020— (I)determine whether any county administering the demonstration project as of the date of enactment of this subparagraph wants to continue the project, on the same terms and conditions, and have the conditions described in clause (iii) applied with respect to that county while the demonstration project remains in effect (without regard to whether the State submits a notice under clause (i) or requests a delayed effective date under section 50746(b)(2) of Public Law 115–123); (II)agree to allow any such county to continue to administer the demonstration project in that county for such additional period as the county may determine (but in no event beyond September 30, 2021); (III)notify the Secretary, in such form and manner as the Secretary may require, of the counties electing to continue to administer the demonstration project for an additional period and specify what the additional period will be; and (IV)include with the notice described in subclause (III) a transition plan prepared by each county identified in the notice that contains the information described in subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (ii) (but prepared with respect to that county instead of with respect to the State).

(b)

Conforming amendment

Section 50746(d) of Public Law 115–123 (42 U.S.C. 622 note) is amended by inserting other than extensions made under subsection (d)(2)(B) of such section after determined without regard to any extensions.