Improve Transparency and Stability for Families and Children Act

HR 2359 sets new deadlines for states to use federal funds supporting child welfare programs under the Social Security Act. States must obligate (commit) funds by the end of the next fiscal year and fully spend them by the end of the second following year, unless they reserve up to 15% of the funds for future use. This reserve is capped at 50% of the previous year's total funds, and states must notify the federal government in advance if they plan to hold funds. The law directly affects states administering child welfare programs funded through Section 403(a)(1) and takes effect October 1, 2026.