Ensuring Access to Affordable and Quality Home Care for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 2304
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2304Labor standardsAging
Ensuring Access to Affordable and Quality Home Care for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act
INTRO MAR 24· LAST ACTION MAR 24
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
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This bill matters because it directly impacts the income and working conditions for hundreds of thousands of home care workers, who are often low-wage earners. If these workers are no longer guaranteed minimum wage and overtime, it could lead to them earning less, working longer hours without additional pay, and potentially struggling more to make ends meet. This could also affect the attractiveness of the profession, potentially impacting the supply and quality of caregivers.
For families and individuals needing home care, the bill could make these essential services more affordable, potentially increasing access for those who currently struggle with costs. However, it also raises questions about whether lower wages could lead to higher turnover among caregivers or a decline in the quality of care provided. It's a balancing act between the affordability of care and the fair compensation of those who provide it.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Restores the 'companionship services' exemption for minimum wage and overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
This provision means certain home care workers assisting seniors and people with disabilities would not be guaranteed federal minimum wage or overtime pay.
PROVISION 02
Restores the 'live-in domestic services' exemption for overtime pay under the FLSA.
This provision means live-in domestic workers would not be guaranteed federal overtime pay, regardless of how many hours they work.
PROVISION 03
Clarifies that these exemptions apply even if the home care or domestic worker is employed by an agency (third-party employment).
This is a key aspect of the bill, as it extends the exemptions to a broad segment of the paid home care workforce.
PROVISION 04
Defines 'companionship services' to include non-medical personal care, help with daily living activities, and household work related to the care of the aged or infirm, provided general household work does not exceed 20% of weekly hours.
This definition determines which specific tasks and types of workers fall under the exemption, excluding trained medical personnel.
This bill matters because it directly impacts the income and working conditions for hundreds of thousands of home care workers, who are often low-wage earners. If these workers are no longer guaranteed minimum wage and overtime, it could lead to them earning less, working longer hours without additional pay, and potentially struggling more to make ends meet. This could also affect the attractiveness of the profession, potentially impacting the supply and quality of caregivers.
For families and individuals needing home care, the bill could make these essential services more affordable, potentially increasing access for those who currently struggle with costs. However, it also raises questions about whether lower wages could lead to higher turnover among caregivers or a decline in the quality of care provided. It's a balancing act between the affordability of care and the fair compensation of those who provide it.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Restores the 'companionship services' exemption for minimum wage and overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
This provision means certain home care workers assisting seniors and people with disabilities would not be guaranteed federal minimum wage or overtime pay.
high
Restores the 'live-in domestic services' exemption for overtime pay under the FLSA.
This provision means live-in domestic workers would not be guaranteed federal overtime pay, regardless of how many hours they work.
high
Clarifies that these exemptions apply even if the home care or domestic worker is employed by an agency (third-party employment).
This is a key aspect of the bill, as it extends the exemptions to a broad segment of the paid home care workforce.
med
Defines 'companionship services' to include non-medical personal care, help with daily living activities, and household work related to the care of the aged or infirm, provided general household work does not exceed 20% of weekly hours.
This definition determines which specific tasks and types of workers fall under the exemption, excluding trained medical personnel.
GLOSSARY
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Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA)
A federal law that sets minimum wage, overtime pay eligibility, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards affecting employees in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments.
Companionship Services Exemption
A specific provision in the FLSA that, if in effect, allows certain workers providing non-medical care and companionship to seniors or people with disabilities to be exempt from federal minimum wage and overtime pay requirements.
Live-in Domestic Services Exemption
A specific provision in the FLSA that, if in effect, allows certain workers who live in the home where they provide domestic services (like nannies or housekeepers) to be exempt from federal overtime pay requirements.
Minimum Wage
The lowest hourly wage an employer can legally pay their workers, as set by federal, state, or local law.
Overtime Pay
Additional pay, typically at one and a half times the regular hourly rate, for hours worked beyond a standard workweek (usually 40 hours).
Third-Party Employment
When an employee is hired by an agency or company, rather than directly by the individual or family receiving the services.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
MAR 24, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
MAR 24, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
