Bill Summary for S 348 (2025-2026)
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View NCGA Bill Details(link is external) | 2025-2026 Session |
AN ACT APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF AGING, TO ESTABLISH A HOME MODIFICATION GRANT PROGRAM AND TO EXPAND STATE-FUNDED SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO HELP SENIORS SAFELY AGE IN PLACE WITH COMFORT AND DIGNITY.Intro. by Theodros, Robinson, Applewhite.
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Bill summary
Contains whereas clauses. Titles the act the “Home Comfort Act.” Defines Department (the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging) and eligible senior.
Appropriates $7 million from the General Fund to the Department in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to establish and administer a Home Modification Grant Program (Program) to provide State-funded financial assistance to eligible seniors to make essential home modifications to a primary residence to improve accessibility and safety, including the listed modifications. Requires the Department to establish an application process and eligibility criteria including specified age and income thresholds. Limits household assistance to $10,000. Authorizes up to 5% of appropriated funds for each fiscal year to be used for administrative purposes. Requires the Department to begin accepting Program applications on or before January 1, 2026.
Effective July 1, 2025, appropriates $42.25 million in recurring funds for each year of the 2025-27 biennium to be allocated for the four described purposes that (1) aid eligible seniors with their daily activities, personal care, and household maintenance; (2) provide financial assistance to eligible seniors for home health agency services; (3) provide grants to Area Agencies on Aging, county departments of social services, and local health departments to implement or expand home care independence services for eligible seniors; and (4) establish a Caregiver Assistance Program that provides a monthly stipend of up to $500 to a family member who provides in-home care to an eligible senior, as described.
Effective July 1, 2025, appropriates $750,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department for each year of the 2025-27 biennium and $1.5 million for the 2025-26 year to be allocated in the amounts described to (1) develop and implement a statewide hotline and online portal to assist eligible seniors with navigating the programs included in the aging-in-place resource guide described in the act and (2) pay for ongoing operational expenses and maintenance associated with the statewide hotline and online portal implementation.
Requires the Department to submit an annual report, starting on April 1, 2027, to the specified NCGA committee and the Fiscal Research Division on the use of funds appropriated by the act as described.