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HB 1309

An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, providing for electronic monitoring of in-home supportive care; and making editorial changes.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ed Neilson and 2 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill authorizes electronic monitoring in homes receiving state-funded in-home care services, raising privacy and consent concerns for vulnerable individuals and caregivers.

Referred to Judiciary
0
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Bill Summary · HB 1309

Legislative bill overview

HB 1309 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to establish electronic monitoring requirements for in-home supportive care services. The bill authorizes the use of monitoring technology—likely cameras or other surveillance devices—in homes where individuals receive state-funded assistance, and includes editorial clarifications to existing law.

Why is this important

In-home supportive care serves vulnerable populations, including elderly, disabled, and dependent individuals. Electronic monitoring could improve oversight of service quality, protect against abuse or neglect, and document care provision—but simultaneously raises significant privacy concerns for both care recipients and in-home caregivers in intimate household settings.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy rights: Installing surveillance in private homes raises constitutional concerns about reasonable expectations of privacy, particularly in bathrooms and bedrooms
  • Consent and autonomy: Questions about who can consent to monitoring (the care recipient, their guardian, or the state) and whether vulnerable individuals can meaningfully refuse
  • Caregiver impact: The monitoring may deter qualified caregivers from accepting positions due to workplace surveillance concerns, potentially worsening service shortages
  • Cost and implementation: Unclear who bears the expense of equipment, installation, and monitoring systems, and whether this diverts limited care funding
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill text doesn't specify monitoring limitations, data retention, access controls, or accountability measures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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