HB 3132

Abstract

Creates the Human Services Compensation Parity Act. Provides that the Departments of Human Services, Children and Family Services, Juvenile Justice, Aging, and Public Health (State agencies) shall increase the rate of reimbursement or grant amounts for human services providers by an amount that reduces the disparity amount, as defined, to certain percentage levels for the period July 1, 2024 through July 1, 2028. Defines "disparity amount" to mean the monetary calculation of the average difference in salary between professionals employed by human service providers and comparable employees employed by the State for the delivery of human services. Provides that all increases in the rate of reimbursement as provided in the amendatory Act shall be used to increase the compensation of human services workers. Provides that the State agencies shall adopt rules to implement the amendatory Act. Provides that on or before September 1, 2023, the Department of Human Services shall establish the Human Services Compensation Task Force. Sets forth the Task Force's membership. Requires the Task Force to provide a report to the General Assembly, on or before January 1, 2024, that includes recommendations to strengthen recruitment and retention of human services workers employed by human services providers that have contracts with the State. Requires the State agencies to each provide a report to the Task Force and the General Assembly, on or before July 1, 2024, that includes the information on (i) the current disparity amount between the salaries of professionals employed by human service providers and comparable employees employed by the State for the delivery of human services; (ii) the amount of annual increases in the rate of reimbursement to human services providers under contract with State agencies that are necessary to reduce and eliminate the disparity amount by July 1, 2028; and (iii) other matters. Effective immediately.