Bill > HB1328

This bill addresses the stabilization of Colorado's direct care workforce by implementing recommendations from the Direct Care Workforce Stabilization Board. The bill recognizes the critical shortage of direct care workers, with only 59,000 workers serving a growing population of older adults, and aims to improve working conditions for these predominantly female workers. Key provisions include establishing a comprehensive "Know Your Rights" training program for direct care workers by January 1, 2026, which will cover wage information, overtime rules, worker protections, and civil rights. The bill also mandates the creation of a direct care worker website and communication platform to support worker recruitment, retention, and communication. Additionally, the legislation increases the minimum wage for direct care workers from $12.41 to $17 per hour starting July 1, 2025, with an encouragement to reach $25 per hour by 2028. The bill requires direct care employers to provide workers with training documentation and a notice of rights, and establishes enforcement mechanisms with potential fines for non-compliance. To support implementation, the bill includes appropriations totaling approximately $288,564 from general and federal funds to the departments of health care policy and financing and labor and employment, covering personnel, operating expenses, and program costs.