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HB 1721

Relating to establishing a base wage for personal attendants under the community living assistance and support services (CLASS) waiver program.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Barbara Gervin-Hawkins

HB 1721 would mandate a minimum wage floor for personal attendants in Texas's CLASS waiver community care program, increasing compensation for workers who enable disabled and elderly individuals to live independently.

Referred to Human Services
#disabilities #personswith(i0380) #health&humanservicescommission(v0177) #humanservices--general(i0920) #salaries&expenses(i0745)
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Bill Summary · HB 1721

Legislative bill overview

HB 1721 would establish a minimum wage requirement specifically for personal attendants working under Texas's CLASS waiver program, which provides community-based care services to individuals who would otherwise require institutional care. The bill aims to address compensation standards for this workforce by setting a wage floor for these workers.

Why is this important

Personal attendants provide essential care services that enable vulnerable populations—elderly individuals and people with disabilities—to live independently in their communities rather than in facilities. Low wages in this sector have contributed to high turnover, staffing shortages, and reduced quality of care, directly affecting service continuity and beneficiary outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Program cost implications: Mandating higher base wages increases program expenditures; the bill does not specify a wage amount, leaving uncertainty about fiscal impact and whether additional funding would be appropriated
  • Labor market effects: Setting wages above market rates for personal attendants could reduce the number of available positions or incentivize providers to shift workers to other programs with different compensation rules
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill's reference to "personal attendants under the CLASS waiver" may require clarification on which worker categories qualify, potentially creating implementation challenges for program administrators

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

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