Bill > S464

This bill aims to strengthen the state home care program workforce by requiring home care agencies (covered employers) to enter into labor peace agreements with labor organizations. The bill defines key terms such as "home care worker" (a person providing personal care or companion services), "labor organization" (a group facilitating collective bargaining), and "labor peace agreement" (an agreement that ensures uninterrupted home care services while allowing workers to potentially organize). Under the proposed law, covered employers must either submit an attestation showing they have a labor peace agreement with a labor organization or certify that no labor organization is seeking to represent their employees. If a labor organization seeks to represent workers after a contract is awarded, the employer must negotiate a labor peace agreement within 90 days. Employers must also provide certification about their compliance with labor laws and can face penalties for non-compliance, including potential contract termination and a four-year ban from bidding on department contracts if they fail to comply twice within four years. The bill is designed to protect home care workers' rights while ensuring the continuity of essential elder care services.