Substitute Senate Bill No. 1468 aims to improve government accountability in the use of agency purchase cards and the regulation of homemaker-companion agencies. The bill repeals Section 4-98 of the general statutes and introduces new provisions that establish stricter guidelines for budgeted agencies regarding purchase orders. It allows the Comptroller to delegate certification and transmission requirements electronically and permits the use of purchasing cards for transactions up to $250,000, with specific procedures developed in consultation with the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reporting on purchase card usage and enforcement actions by budgeted agencies, with these changes set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

The bill also enhances the regulatory framework for homemaker-companion agencies by requiring comprehensive background checks for employees and mandatory training on essential skills, including CPR and personal hygiene. It specifies that agencies must provide a written service plan to clients and introduces a new definition of "personal hygiene." The registration fee for homemaker-companion agencies is increased from $375 to $450, and penalties for non-compliance are established. The Department of Consumer Protection is tasked with developing a list of approved training topics, and new employees must complete at least ten hours of training within ninety days of hire, while existing employees must comply by July 1, 2027. The effective date for these provisions is set for October 1, 2025, with training requirements beginning earlier on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 4-98, 20-670, 20-672
GOS Joint Favorable Substitute: 4-98, 20-670, 20-672
File No. 496: 4-98, 20-670, 20-672