HB362 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Lifespan Respite Resource Network, established, Alabama Respite Coalition, established

Summary

This bill would create the Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network and the Alabama Respite Coalition to coordinate statewide respite care for family caregivers of children and adults with health or disability needs and to pursue federal funding.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a state-level network to address respite care and to coordinate the Alabama Respite Coalition. It defines the coalition’s membership, duties, and meeting requirements, and authorizes the network and coalition to pursue and manage federal Lifespan Respite funding, including a funded mechanism for distributing funds according to set guidelines. It requires maintaining a directory and information/referral services, providing caregiver training, and offering voucher respite funding when available, with an emphasis on supporting family caregivers and connecting them to providers and resources.

Who It Affects

• Family caregivers of children or adults with special needs, who would gain access to respite services, training, information, referrals, and potential voucher funding to support caregiving.
• Respite care providers and relevant state agencies (as coalition members and fund recipients), who would be identified, coordinated with, and potentially funded through the network and Coalition, and who would participate in training, planning, and information-sharing activities.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network to address respite care issues and coordinate statewide efforts.
• Creates the Alabama Respite Coalition with diverse representation, including family caregivers, respite providers, and various state agencies; establishes terms, meetings, and governance requirements.
• Authorizes coordination with the eligible state agency and Governor’s Office to access federal Lifespan Respite funding (PL 109-442) and requires a Memorandum of Agreement to enable Alabama to compete for those funds.
• Requires the Network to identify statewide respite providers, maintain a respite services directory, and link caregivers with providers and related programs.
• Provides information/referral services, a toll-free or online information channel, and caregiver training through partnerships with other agencies or groups.
• Allocates voucher respite funding to eligible primary caregivers as funds are available and sets mandated purposes for funded activities, including program development, direct care, worker training, and caregiver information.
• Outlines optional uses of funds such as caregiver training to help informed decision-making and other services essential to providing respite care.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Lifespan Respite Resource Network