House Bill 1044

Chair's Name: Len Walker

Committee: Human Relations & Aging

House Sponsor: Len Walker

HB 1044 clarifies provisions relating to eldercare by distinguishing ”respite care services” and care given by a “primary caregiver” from licensed Adult Day Care. A “primary caregiver” is someone who has assumed primary responsibility for the care of an aging adult and lives in the same residence and provides care without compensation. “Respite care services programs” are non-profit programs which provide limited adult care services to give relief to primary caregivers.
Section 2 defines and sets out standards for the operation of respite care service programs. 

This committee substitute comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule.

Chairman Walker’s opinion of this legislation:

HB 1044 relieves Congressional Respite Care Services (Faith Based Caregiver Support) from the Adult Day Care Licensure Regulation. Faith-based respite care services throughout the state are concerned about their future viability.

This Legislation:

•        Reduces the Size of Government by removing certain faith based organizations from excessive state regulation.

•        Strengthens our Traditional Family Structure by enabling families throughout the state to receive quality care for senior family members.

•        Reduces the Tax Burden on our Citizens because in 2008, Congressional respite care programs will provide 12,495 volunteer hours, 720 meals and contribute almost a half a million dollars in care value.

•        Increases Personal Responsibility because congressional respite care programs encourage and enable families to assume greater responsibility for family members.