Senate Bill 654, known as the "Caring for Caregivers Act," aims to provide financial relief to family caregivers of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. The bill establishes a family caregiver grant pilot program, which will operate from July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028. This program will offer grants of up to $6,000 per fiscal year to eligible family caregivers to help offset their eligible expenditures, which include costs related to home modifications, necessary equipment, and respite care. The program will be funded through appropriations from the general assembly and other donations, with an initial appropriation of $600,000 proposed for the fiscal year 2025-2026.

The bill defines key terms such as "activities of daily living," "eligible expenditures," and "family caregiver," and sets specific eligibility criteria for caregivers and their family members. It also mandates that the annual adjusted income limit for grant eligibility be adjusted for cost-of-living increases in subsequent years. Additionally, the commissioner is authorized to create rules to implement the program, and the department is required to report annually on the program's status and financial activities. The act will take effect upon becoming law, contingent on the availability of appropriated funds.