Senate Bill No. 1300 aims to authorize compensation for individuals, including spouses, who provide personal care assistance to those enrolled in the state-funded portion of the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders. The bill modifies subsection (i) of section 17b-342 of the general statutes, repealing the existing language and substituting it with new provisions effective July 1, 2025. Key insertions include the stipulation that the Commissioner of Social Services will establish training and documentation requirements for individuals seeking compensation for their caregiving services. Additionally, the bill specifies that compensation can be provided to spouses of individuals receiving care under the program.

The bill also outlines eligibility criteria for the Connecticut Home Care Program, including income and asset limits, and specifies that individuals residing in affordable housing under the assisted living demonstration project may have different contribution requirements for their care costs. Notably, the bill deletes previous language that restricted eligibility for the state-funded portion of the program to those requiring nursing home-level care, thereby broadening access to services. The potential fiscal impact on the Department of Social Services is highlighted, as the bill may increase costs associated with compensating caregivers who would not have otherwise accessed personal care assistance services.