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Bill > SB1505

OR SB1505

OR SB1505
Relating to the Home and Community-Based Services Workforce Standards Board.

summary

Introduced
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/02/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Legislative Measures

Bill Summary

The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: The Act would make new laws about a workforce standards board for some workers in the home and community-based services sector. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.6). Establishes the Home and Community-Based Services Workforce Standards Board. Prescribes the duties of the board. Directs the board to establish minimum working standards for the home and community-based services workforce. Requires the board to take certain actions before adopting proposed minimum standards. Directs certain state agencies to conduct a fiscal impact analysis to determine whether a proposed minimum standard will increase the fiscal obli- gations of the state, including an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates. Requires the board to report to the Legislative Assembly and to the Governor the increase in funding needed to implement the standard. Provides that a rule establishing a minimum standard may not take effect before the Legislative Assembly has appropriated funding and the board has received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, if applicable. Permits the Bureau of Labor and Industries to conduct investigations, issue subpoenas, admin- ister oaths, obtain evidence and take testimony to make determinations regarding implementation and compliance with the minimum standards established by the board. Provides remedies for allegations of violations of the minimum standards established by the board. Clarifies that relief may be sought for alleged violations no sooner than 90 days after a rule establishing a minimum standard takes effect. Requires the board to conduct a quadrennial comprehensive review, including a labor market analysis to inform the board’s decisions to adopt new minimum standards or revise existing stan- dards. Requires the board to submit a biennial report to the Governor and the Legislative Assembly summarizing the results of the comprehensive review and any actions taken by the board in the prior biennium. Requires the online registry administered by the Department of Human Services to include workers from the home and community-based services workforce. Requires that any public hearing conducted by the board be accessible through electronic or virtual means, if possible.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the Home and Community-Based Services Workforce Standards Board, a new entity tasked with setting minimum working standards for individuals who provide essential home and community-based services, which include roles like home care workers, personal support workers, and direct care staff who assist individuals with daily living activities. The board, composed of representatives from the workforce, employers, service recipients, and state agencies, will conduct thorough research, including labor market analysis and economic data, and hold public hearings before proposing any new standards. Before any minimum standard can take effect, a fiscal impact analysis must be completed to determine if it will increase state costs, such as Medicaid reimbursement rates, and the Legislative Assembly must appropriate the necessary funding, with approval also required from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) if applicable. The Bureau of Labor and Industries will have the authority to investigate violations and enforce these standards, and workers will be protected from retaliation for exercising their rights under this bill, with remedies available for alleged violations. The bill also mandates a comprehensive review of standards every four years and requires the board to report its findings and recommendations biennially to the Governor and Legislative Assembly, while also updating the online registry for these workers and ensuring public hearings are accessible virtually.

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Last Action

Public Hearing held. (on 02/04/2026)

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