The Senate Health and Welfare Committee has unanimously approved a bill to help 18-year-olds transition from foster care to independent living.

Under the bill, sponsored by Sen. Ken Winters, a Republican from Murray, youths could consult with state personnel six months before they turn 18 about whether they want to remain in foster care. They could then choose at 19 to remain in foster care until they're 21.

The bill would change the term "recommital" to "transitional living support."

Chelsea Hoover, 19, who spent most of her life in foster care, testified that she chose independence when she turned 18, then had trouble getting back into foster care after she was abused. If the legislation had been in place, she might have chosen differently.