Bill
SB 1997
Summary of SB 1997: DHS-AGING-HOMEMAKER WAGES Bill OverviewSB 1997, also known as the "DHS-AGING-HOMEMAKER WAGES" bill, was introduced in the state legislature on March 6, 2025. Th
SB 1997, also known as the "DHS-AGING-HOMEMAKER WAGES" bill, was introduced in the state legislature on March 6, 2025. The bill aims to address the wages and compensation of homemakers who provide in-home care and assistance to elderly and aging residents.
The primary provisions of SB 1997 include:
Minimum Wage Increase for Homemakers: The bill would establish a minimum hourly wage of $15 for homemakers employed through the state's Department of Human Services (DHS) Aging program. This represents a significant increase from the current minimum wage for these workers.
Annual Cost-of-Living Adjustments: SB 1997 would require annual cost-of-living adjustments to the homemaker minimum wage to ensure it keeps pace with inflation and rising living expenses.
Benefits and Overtime Pay: In addition to the minimum wage increase, the bill would also mandate that homemakers receive basic benefits such as health insurance and be compensated at 1.5 times their regular rate for any overtime hours worked.
Training and Certification Requirements: The legislation would set new training and certification requirements for homemakers to ensure they have the necessary skills and qualifications to provide quality in-home care.
If enacted, SB 1997 could have a significant impact on the home care industry and the elderly/aging population that relies on these services:
Improved Homemaker Wages and Benefits: The bill would substantially improve the wages, benefits, and working conditions for thousands of homemakers across the state, which could help attract and retain more qualified caregivers.
Enhanced In-Home Care Quality: The new training and certification requirements could lead to higher-quality in-home care services for elderly and aging residents.
Potential Cost Increases: The increased labor costs for homemakers may result in higher overall costs for in-home care services, which could impact state and local budgets as well as individual families.
Companion Bill in the House: SB 1997 has a companion bill, HB 2286, that is also working its way through the legislative process in the state's House of Representatives.
Overall, SB 1997 represents a significant effort to address the long-standing issues of low wages and lack of benefits for homemakers who provide essential in-home care services to the state's aging population.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
