Bill > HB836

This bill establishes a minimum base wage for personal attendants working in Medicaid and certain social service programs administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Starting in 2026, contractors providing personal attendant services must pay workers at least $15 per hour or the federal minimum wage, whichever is higher. Personal attendant services include non-medical assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, transportation, and health monitoring. The bill requires the commission to monitor compliance, create a confidential process for reporting wage violations, and seek additional federal funding to support the wage increase. Contractors must ensure compliance, and the commission will be required to submit an annual report to the legislature assessing the impact of the wage increase, including evaluating improvements in service quality and worker retention rates. The law applies to various Medicaid waiver programs and social service programs, and the commission is directed to develop implementing rules. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025, with the wage requirement beginning in the 2026 calendar year, and allows for potential delays if federal waivers are needed for implementation.