INDEPENDENT LIVING PROJECT ACT House SponsorsRep. Joseph M. Lyons-John D'Amico-Maria Antonia Berrios-Sidney H. Mathias 1/9/2007HouseSession Sine Die New Act Creates the Independent Living Projects Act. Requires the Department on Aging and the Department of Human Services to contract with independent living projects in different regions of the State to demonstrate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of using low-cost home care and other residential alternatives to nursing home care and to achieve other goals. Sets forth criteria that such projects must meet. Requires the Department to establish up to 6 projects to expand the respite care network in the State. Requires the Department to (i) evaluate the independent living projects and report to the General Assembly by February 15, 2008 and (ii) contract for a public awareness campaign. Provides for grants to public and private nonprofit agencies to establish services that strengthen a community's ability to provide a system of home and community-based services for elderly persons. Fiscal Note (Department of Human Services) This language targets both the Department of Human Services and the Department on Aging for the independent living projects, but the measure focuses on services for elderly persons and not individuals with disabilities. It seems House Bill 1357 is intended to serve individuals through the Department on Aging and not DHS. 2/9/2005HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Joseph M. Lyons 2/9/2005HouseChief Co-Sponsor Rep. John D'Amico 2/9/2005HouseChief Co-Sponsor Rep. Maria Antonia Berrios 2/9/2005HouseFirst Reading 2/9/2005HouseReferred to Rules Committee 2/10/2005HouseAssigned to Aging Committee 2/10/2005HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Sidney H. Mathias 3/10/2005HouseFiscal Note Requested by Rep. William Davis 3/10/2005HouseRule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee 3/15/2005HouseFiscal Note Filed 1/9/2007HouseSession Sine Die