PA SB1085

Creates the Direct Care Worker Wage Advisory Board within the Department of Human Services, a 9-member body including direct care workers, employers, worker organization representatives, and state officials to examine recruitment and retention challenges in the industry

Requires the Secretary of Human Services to establish a minimum wage for direct care workers (including personal care aides, home health aides, nursing assistants, and similar positions) based on board recommendations, with the rate not lower than Pennsylvania's general minimum wage

Establishes escalating penalties for employers who fail to pay the minimum wage: $1,000 for first violation, $5,000 for second, and $10,000 for each subsequent violation, with workers also able to pursue civil action to recover unpaid wages plus attorney fees

Mandates creation of a statewide registry of direct care workers, with employers required to submit quarterly contact information; registry access is limited to direct care worker organizations and exempt from Right-to-Know Law requests

Requires employers to process voluntary paycheck deductions for worker organization dues within 30 days of a written request, with the same escalating penalty structure ($1,000/$5,000/$10,000) for non-compliance