The bill sSB1158 proposes the establishment of a new Department on Aging, which will take over responsibilities for services aimed at individuals aged 62 and older from the current Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), which will be renamed the Department of Disability Services. The new Department on Aging will be designated as the State Unit on Aging under the federal Older Americans Act, tasked with studying the needs of older individuals and administering a comprehensive social service delivery system. The bill outlines the powers and duties of the Commissioner on Aging, including the administration of relevant laws and the establishment of programs and services for older adults. It also allows for the transfer of funds between the two departments with the governor's approval and mandates that existing ADS regulations related to aging remain in effect until new regulations are adopted.

In addition to the structural changes, the bill includes various technical amendments to statutory references, ensuring that the new Department on Aging is properly integrated into existing laws. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026, and the bill anticipates the creation of approximately eight new administrative positions within the Department on Aging, resulting in an estimated cost of $700,000 for the General Fund in FY 27, along with an additional $357,000 for fringe benefits. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the focus on aging services while maintaining necessary support for individuals with disabilities, with no net fiscal impact expected from the transfer of positions and costs.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 23-15c, 26-29, 31-283a, 31-300, 42-339, 4-5, 4-38c, 4-67cc, 4-124xx, 5-198, 7-127b, 8-119f, 10-74m, 10-74t, 10-76d, 12-217pp, 14-11b
HS Joint Favorable: 23-15c, 26-29, 31-283a, 31-300, 42-339, 4-5, 4-38c, 4-67cc, 4-124xx, 5-198, 7-127b, 8-119f, 10-74m, 10-74t, 10-76d, 12-217pp, 14-11b
File No. 153: 26-29, 31-283a, 31-300, 42-339, 4-5, 4-38c, 4-67cc, 4-124xx, 5-198, 7-127b, 8-119f, 10-74m, 10-74t, 10-76d, 12-217pp, 14-11b