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Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2026-04-28

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill establishes minimum wage requirements for five direct care and health care support occupations in North Carolina, ranging from $18 to $24 per hour depending on the role. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to adjust Medicaid and state-funded program rates to help employers meet these new wage floors, and appropriates $500,000 for implementation beginning January 1, 2028.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue that these occupations face severe workforce shortages and high turnover due to low wages, which jeopardizes care for vulnerable populations including elderly and disabled residents.
• •They contend that establishing clear wage floors will improve recruitment and retention, reduce costly hospitalizations and institutionalization, and ensure continuity of care while honoring the essential, safety-critical nature of this work.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that mandated wage increases will significantly raise costs for healthcare providers, home care agencies, and state budgets, potentially leading to reduced services, higher consumer costs, or provider closures.
• •They may also contend that the $500,000 appropriation may be insufficient to fully cover rate adjustments across all affected Medicaid and state-funded programs, placing financial strain on already-stretched healthcare systems.