In-Home Supportive Services Employer-Employee Relations Act.

Assembly Member Haney's comprehensive reform of California's In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program establishes a new framework for employer-employee relations by designating the state as the employer of record for collective bargaining purposes while preserving recipients' rights to hire, fire and supervise their providers.

The legislation creates the In-Home Supportive Services Employer-Employee Relations Act, which takes effect January 1, 2026. Under this act, existing county-level bargaining units represented by the same employee organization merge into larger multicounty units. The state assumes responsibility for negotiating a single memorandum of understanding with recognized employee organizations, though regional variations may be included through addenda. Individual providers retain their employment status without needing to requalify.

The bill establishes detailed procedures for resolving labor disputes, including mandatory mediation within 15 business days of a request and fact-finding panels to recommend settlement terms if mediation fails. A new 17-member IHSS Statewide Bargaining Advisory Committee, with at least half its membership comprising current or past service users, provides ongoing input on program operations and fiscal implications.

Counties maintain flexibility in service delivery through public authorities or nonprofit consortiums but must comply with state-negotiated labor agreements. The legislation modifies the County IHSS Maintenance of Effort formula, with the state covering the nonfederal share of administrative costs and certain negotiated wage increases. Provider orientation requirements expand to include information mandated by labor agreements, while recognized employee organizations gain access to provider contact information and orientation presentations.