Bill > A07604

This bill establishes a direct support wage enhancement program for employees who provide care to individuals with developmental disabilities, effective April 1, 2025. The bill requires providers licensed or funded by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to receive supplemental funding to increase wages for direct care support workers whose income is less than $125,000. The OPWDD commissioner, in consultation with the Division of Budget, will create a list of eligible job titles that provide direct care to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Employers must report the number of eligible employees using forms developed by the commissioner, and each eligible provider will receive an allocation of $4,000 per eligible employee. These funds must be specifically used to enhance the base wages and benefits of these eligible employees, with the goal of supporting and improving compensation for critical direct care workers in the developmental disabilities service sector.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7604