Bill > A05589

This bill mandates the Commissioner of Labor to establish a twelve-member Human Services Employee Wage Board, composed of human services employees, providers, coalitions, and public appointees, to investigate wage disparities between human services workers and government or private sector employees. The board is required to hold public hearings, including at least three within the state with interpreter services and bilingual materials, and to consider factors such as benefits, cost of living, and federal poverty guidelines. The board must submit a report with recommendations for adequate and equitable wages to the governor and legislature by December 31, 2027, with the Commissioner then expected to take action based on these recommendations.