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Bill

A 7604

Establishes a direct support wage enhancement to employees that provide direct care support or any other form of treatment, to individuals with developmental disabilities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rebecca Seawright

Bill A 7604 boosts wages for direct care workers supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, enhancing care quality and improving workforce retention.

REFERRED TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
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Bill Summary · A 7604

Summary of Bill A 7604

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: A 7604
  • Title: Establishes a direct support wage enhancement to employees that provide direct care support or any other form of treatment to individuals with developmental disabilities
  • Status: Referred to People with Disabilities
  • Introduced: April 01, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 7604 is to enhance the wages of employees who provide direct care and support to individuals with developmental disabilities. This legislation aims to recognize the critical role these workers play in the lives of vulnerable populations and to improve workforce retention and recruitment in the direct care sector.

Key Provisions

  • Wage Enhancement: The bill proposes a direct support wage enhancement, which would increase the hourly wages of employees providing direct care services.
  • Eligibility: The wage enhancement would apply to various roles, including but not limited to direct support professionals, caregivers, and treatment providers who work with individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Funding Mechanism: While specific funding details are not outlined in the current version, the bill is expected to include provisions for state funding or reimbursement mechanisms to support the wage increases.

Impact

  • Employees Affected: The bill is anticipated to benefit thousands of direct care workers across the state, improving their financial stability and job satisfaction.
  • Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: Enhanced wages for caregivers may lead to better quality of care and support for individuals with developmental disabilities, as higher wages can attract more qualified professionals to the field.
  • Workforce Stability: By improving compensation, the bill aims to reduce turnover rates among direct care staff, which is a significant issue in the sector.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Action: As of April 1, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Committee on People with Disabilities for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session Bill A 5268 and has a companion bill in the Senate, S 4837, which may provide additional context or support for the proposed wage enhancements.

Conclusion

Bill A 7604 represents a significant step towards improving the compensation for direct care workers, thereby enhancing the quality of care for individuals with developmental disabilities. As it progresses through the legislative process, further details regarding funding and implementation will be crucial for understanding its full impact.

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

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