Committee advances bill to screen staff and review waiver support coordination

CS for Senate Bill 794 was reported favorably by the Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services after sponsors outlined changes intended to strengthen oversight for services supporting people with developmental disabilities.

Senator Jones explained that the bill requires background screening for every employee of residential facilities and day training programs serving people with developmental disabilities. It also directs a review of waiver support coordination services — covering quality, performance metrics, prerequisites for employment, caseload sizes, recruitment and retention, mentoring programs, and geographical gaps in access — and requires recommendations to the Legislature and Governor by February 2027. The sponsor offered an amendment to align the bill with its House companion; the amendment was adopted without objection.

Parents and support coordinators testified about the critical role of support coordinators in keeping waiver services functioning, pointing to delayed services and safety risks when coordination is weak. Provider representatives also raised operational concerns and offered to work with the sponsor on mandatory language. After debate and adoption of the amendment, the committee reported the bill favorably by roll call.