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Committee approves public‑hearing requirement for large assisted‑living fee increases
Summary
Senate Bill 1175 would require a public informational hearing at least 30 days before an assisted‑living facility raises fees by more than 10 percent. Supporters said the change responds to sudden, double‑digit raises that left residents and families with little notice; members placed the bill on the committee’s consent calendar.
The Aging Committee approved moving Senate Bill 1175 — which requires a public informational hearing for certain assisted‑living fee increases — forward and placed the bill on the consent calendar on March 4.
Under the draft language cited by members, facilities must hold a public informational hearing no later than 30 days before a fee increase that exceeds 10 percent of the previous fee. Senator Wong and other supporters said the measure responds to instances where families received less than 30 days’ notice and saw increases of “25 to 30%” announced just before the new year.
Representative Balinski suggested placing the bill on the consent calendar; no member objected. During debate, Representative Case asked whether a facility could evade the hearing threshold by repeatedly issuing increases below the 10 percent trigger; committee discussion confirmed the bill applies when any single increase exceeds 10 percent and that repeated small increases could avoid the hearing requirement.
Supporters described the bill as a transparency and accountability measure to give residents and caregivers an opportunity to question large rate changes. The bill was placed on the consent calendar for expedited handling.
Why it matters: Assisted‑living residents and their families often manage fixed budgets; public hearings are intended to provide oversight and a forum to question facility justifications for sizable fee increases.
