The Kansas Senate has given first-round approval to a conservative Republican's bill to create a new pilot program to encourage couples who have stable marriages and don't use tobacco or alcohol to serve as foster parents.
The measure from Republican Sen. Forrest Knox of Altoona advanced Monday night on a voice vote, with final action expected Tuesday.
The bill would create a new category of foster homes for abused and neglected children. Couples would have to have been legally married for at least seven years.
At least one spouse could not work outside the home. No one in the home could use tobacco, and no alcohol could be present.
The couples could make educational decisions for their foster children and could be reimbursed for expenses for home or private schooling.
