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). The ADS will be renamed the Department of Disability Services, focusing on programs for individuals with disabilities. Key provisions include the appointment of a Commissioner on Aging by the Governor, who will oversee the new department and administer laws related to aging services, coordinate outreach activities, and manage programs under the federal Older Americans Act. The bill also ensures that existing regulations from the ADS regarding aging services remain in effect until new regulations are adopted.

Additionally, the bill includes various technical amendments to statutory references, reflecting the restructuring of the departments and their respective responsibilities. It mandates the transfer of certain positions and funding from ADS to the new Department on Aging, with an estimated cost of $700,000 for the General Fund in FY 27, alongside $357,000 for fringe benefits. The bill aims to enhance the focus on aging services while maintaining support for disability services, with the effective date for these changes set for July 1, 2026.

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