The proposed bill, Substitute Bill No. 1176, aims to enhance funding for the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the area agencies on aging service navigators. It appropriates a total of $115,000 to the Department of Aging and Disability Services from the General Fund for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, specifically for hiring one regional ombudsman. Additionally, the bill allocates $390,000 for the same fiscal years to provide funding for five area agencies on aging, allowing each agency to hire one additional service navigator.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and introduces new sections to the current law without any deletions. The funding is intended to improve the support and services provided to the aging population, ensuring better oversight and assistance through the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the area agencies on aging.