The bill sSB1158 proposes the establishment of a new Department on Aging, which will take over responsibilities related to services for individuals aged 62 and older from the existing 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 laws, coordination of services, and the ability to adopt regulations. It also allows for the transfer of funds between the two departments with the governor's approval and ensures that existing regulations related to aging will remain in effect until amended.

Additionally, the bill includes various technical amendments to statutory references to reflect the new structure, with an estimated cost of $700,000 for the General Fund in FY 27 for staffing and operational needs of the new department. The transition is expected to involve the transfer of 31 positions and approximately $3 million in personal service costs from ADS to the new Department on Aging, with no net fiscal impact anticipated. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026, aiming to enhance the focus on aging services and improve the care and protection of older individuals in the state.

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