NY A08937

Establishes a human services employee wage board with 12 members: three human services employees, three providers, three provider coalitions, and three public members appointed by the commissioner (one designated as chair).

Requires the wage board to conduct at least three public hearings within 45 days of appointment, with Spanish language interpretation and materials available in multiple languages and accessible formats.

Directs the wage board to investigate pay disparities between human services workers and government/private sector employees, considering fringe benefits, poverty guidelines, and cost of living impacts.

Mandates the wage board submit a report with recommendations to the governor and legislature by December 31, 2023, requiring support from a majority of all members.

Specifies the commissioner must comply with existing labor law provisions upon receiving the wage board's recommendations and may reconvene or appoint a new wage board as needed.