Bill > A09082

This bill establishes minimum base wage requirements for "human services workers," defined as employees providing direct care, support, or treatment, or whose job involves improving an individual's health and welfare, within "eligible programs" funded by state agencies like the Office of Mental Health or the Department of Health, which aim to improve health and welfare by addressing social problems. The bill creates two regions: the "downstate region" (Bronx, Kings, New York, Nassau, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, and Westchester counties) and the "rest of the state." For the downstate region, the base wage will be phased in from $20 per hour in April 2026 to $29 per hour or 400% of the federal poverty level by April 2029, with annual adjustments thereafter based on inflation. For the rest of the state, the base wage will be phased in from $19 per hour in April 2026 to $29 per hour or 400% of the federal poverty level by April 2030, also with annual adjustments thereafter. State agencies are required to provide sufficient funding for these wage increases and will develop processes for providers to report eligible employees and receive allocations to enhance base wages, ensuring no matching funds are required from local social services districts.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9082