Social Act (SG) - Objective and Purpose (SG)

1. The Canton and municipalities realize the constitutional social objectives by

a) strengthening individual responsibility, preserving human independence, preventing, remedying, or alleviating poverty or social distress;

b) supporting individuals in economically modest circumstances;

c) assisting people in social distress or providing survival aid;

d) preventing and combating the abuse of benefits under this law.

1. This Law regulates

a)* ...

abis)* the principles of prevention as well as voluntary engagement;

b)* ...

ater)* the execution of federal social insurance law, to the extent assigned to the Canton, namely in

1. Unemployment Insurance (AVIG),

2. Occupational Retirement, Survivors', and Disability Pension Plans (BVG),

3. Old Age and Survivors' Insurance (AHVG),

4. Disability Insurance (IVG),

5. Income Compensation for Service and Motherhood (EOG),

6. Family Allowances in Agriculture (FLG),

7. Accident Insurance (UVG),

8. Military Insurance (MVG),

9. Health Insurance (KVG),

10. Family Allowances outside of Agriculture (FamZG);

c) the execution of social supplementary benefits, to the extent assigned to the Canton, namely in

1. Supplementary Benefits (ELG),

2. Health Insurance (KVG);

3. Advance Maintenance Payments and Collection Assistance,

d) the support and assistance of the Canton and the municipal communities in the following life and problem situations

1. Family, children, youth, and elderly,

2.* Integration of the foreign population,

3. Housing and rent,

4. Unemployment assistance,

5. Victim assistance,

6. Addiction support,

7. People with disabilities,

8. Care,

9.* Burial,

10.* Budget and debt counseling;

e) social assistance and emergency aid by the municipal communities for people in social emergencies.

2. This Law fundamentally does not pertain to the responsibilities of the Canton and municipalities

a) in the healthcare sector;

b) in the field of education;

c) * in child and adult protection law;

d) in penal and measures enforcement.

1. Unless this law explicitly provides otherwise, its provisions apply only to persons who have their civil domicile or habitual residence in a municipality of the canton. The provisions of federal law remain reserved.

2. The civil domicile is determined by Articles 23 - 26 of the Civil Code. A person has their habitual residence at the place where they stay not only temporarily, but live for an extended period, even if this period is limited in advance.

3. The place of support or residence for the purposes of social assistance law within the canton is determined analogously according to the provisions of the Federal Act on the Jurisdiction for the Support of Persons in Need (ZUG). In this context, residence is considered to be the actual presence in a municipal community.

1. The canton and municipal communities fulfill their social responsibilities by providing the population with social security services and offering individual and collective social benefits.

2. They promote private social activities and the initial and continuing education and training of individuals tasked with social responsibilities.

1. The canton guarantees and, together with the municipalities, ensures that social security services are provided, financed, and implemented.

2. Services particularly include preventive assistance, counseling in life situations, and personal assistance in problematic situations.

1. The canton guarantees and ensures, in cooperation with the municipal communities, that social benefits in the respective sectors are provided, financed, and implemented, subject to individual contributions.

2. Individual social benefits are provided as benefits in kind or as monetary benefits by social insurance, the canton, or the municipal communities.

3. Collective social benefits are provided by the canton or the municipal communities, either by operating social institutions themselves or by financially supporting other communities or public or private institutions through subsidies.

4. Subsidies are granted as contributions, loans, guarantees, and compensations.

1. Benefits in kind include, in particular, individual preventive and rehabilitation measures, medical treatments, nursing care, sickness and disability costs according to ELG, transportation, aids and benefits in kind in place of monetary benefits.

1. Monetary benefits include particularly daily allowances, pensions, income replacement benefits, maternity compensations, family allowances, annual supplementary benefits, helplessness compensations, premium reductions, individual financial support in life and problem situations (support benefits), as well as individual financial services of social welfare.

2. Monetary benefits from social insurances are granted to insured persons, irrespective of their economic capacity or social status.

3. The entitlement to supplementary benefits is governed by the provisions of the ELG, while the entitlement to premium reductions is governed by the KVG, taking into account the income and assets of the entitled persons.

4. Support benefits and social welfare services are granted by the public community to individuals whose self-provided contributions from own resources, private and social insurance benefits, as well as their benefits from family law maintenance and support obligations are insufficient (needs-based benefits).

1. Personal contributions and social insurance benefits take precedence over needs-based benefits.

2. Supplementary benefits, premium reductions, and support benefits take precedence over social assistance benefits.

3. Social assistance benefits are subsidiary to personal contributions and other monetary benefits.

1. Individuals are entitled to claim needs-based benefits if

a) they meet the economic requirements under this law, or

b) despite having their own resources, private and social insurance benefits, they are unable, or only partially able, to pay the cost-covering fees or charges for a necessary social service or benefit, particularly from recognized institutions.

2. Individuals in social emergencies are entitled to claim social welfare benefits if

a) the reasonable personal contributions are not sufficient;

b) family members who are obligated to provide maintenance and support do not provide assistance in a timely manner;

c) there is no entitlement to social insurance benefits or other needs-based benefits, or if such benefits do not sufficiently or promptly cover living expenses.

1. Needs-based benefits are generally aligned with the individual's needs, but they can also be standardized.

2. They may

a) be paid as a monetary benefit, advanced, or provided as in-kind benefits;

b) be made contingent upon a cost approval;

c) be paid directly to the institution providing services for the entitled person. Article 20 of the ATSG remains reserved.

3. There is no entitlement to receive the required benefit in the manner applied for.

1. The canton and municipal districts provide subsidies to other communities or social institutions in order to

a) enable preventive measures;

b) assist economically disadvantaged individuals in accessing the offered services or goods;

c) facilitate the start-up of a social institution;

d) compensate for public service obligations or delegated social tasks.

2. The subsidy is contingent upon

a) a legal obligation;

b) an authorization;

c) a service mandate or a service agreement.

3. Guarantees may be provided to enable social institutions to make investments or to secure liquidity.

1. Anyone who has not received, or has only partially received, a legally entitled child allowance or any other rightfully assured social benefit may claim the entitled social benefit retroactively.

2. The claim expires after a period of five years.

3. The entitlement to supplementary benefits that have already been awarded but are undeliverable extinguishes if no payment is requested within one year.

1. Persons who have received social assistance benefits are obliged to reimburse them if

a) Social assistance benefits are granted despite the existence of assets and the relevant assets have been realized or are realizable;

b) Social assistance benefits are provided in advance in anticipation of benefits from social insurance, private insurance, liable third parties, or other third parties, and the relevant claims have been realized;

c) Favorable financial circumstances arise due to income from inheritance, lottery winnings, or other reasons not attributable to one's own work effort, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Swiss Conference for Social Assistance (SKOS Guidelines);

d) Such favorable conditions arise from income from one's own work performance that waiving reimbursement appears inequitable.

1bis If social assistance benefits are provided in advance in anticipation of benefits from social insurance, private insurance, liable third parties, or other third parties, the advancing community may demand that retroactive benefits be paid directly to it to the extent they are subject to reimbursement.

1ter The claims for reimbursement do not bear interest.

2. Heirs, persons considered in a legacy, and beneficiaries from life insurance are obliged to reimburse the social assistance benefits received by a deceased person to the extent they have received assets of monetary value from the estate or from life insurance benefits.

3. The canton periodically verifies the conditions for reimbursement. The office of records reports the inventories of the estate assets to the canton. If the conditions for reimbursement are met, the following options exist

a) Conclusion of an agreement on the reimbursement and its modalities;

b) Issuance of a reimbursement order.

4. Social assistance benefits granted to children and adolescents during their minority and until the completion of their regular initial education or during the duration of participation in a professional or social integration measure, or provided with counter-services, are not to be reimbursed.

5. In hardship cases, full or partial waiver of reimbursement may be granted.

1. Individuals who have been granted supplementary benefits for low-income families as an advance with respect to benefits from social insurance, private insurance, liable third parties, or other third parties are required to reimburse these amounts if the respective claims have been realized.

2. The canton periodically assesses the conditions for reimbursement. If the conditions are met, the following options are available

a) Conclusion of an agreement on the reimbursement and its modalities;

b) Issuance of a reimbursement order.

3. In addition, § 14 paragraphs 1bis, 1ter, and 5 are applicable mutatis mutandis.

1. The duty to reimburse expires ten years after the last payment. Article 25, paragraph 2, ATSG is reserved.

2. Claims and demands for reimbursement secured by a mortgage do not expire.

3. Claims arising under § 14 paragraph 2 must be asserted within two years from the death of the recipient of the service liable for reimbursement under § 14 paragraph 1.

4. The right to criminal prosecution is reserved. If the claim for reimbursement arises from a criminal act for which criminal law sets a longer statute of limitations, this period shall also apply to the reimbursement.

1. In the procedure regarding the provision of social benefits and the decision on measures, the affected individuals must be heard.

2. Insofar as measures, conditions, and stipulations impact the personal life arrangement of the affected individuals, they have an appropriate right to participate.

**1. Applicants and recipients of benefits, as well as their legal or authorized representatives, are obligated to:**

a) actively participate in the proceedings, particularly by providing all necessary information truthfully and completely about the relevant circumstances, and to substantiate them as much as possible;

b) grant access to written documents;

c) authorize authorities and institutions, as necessary, to provide information;

d) comply with conditions and instructions;

dbis) provide personal contributions in accordance with their reasonable economic capacity;

e) use allocated benefits for their intended purpose;

f) immediately report any changes that have occurred.

1. Municipalities and social institutions are required to provide the canton with the information necessary for supervision and planning, in particular by granting access to their operations and accounting management.

2. The authorities of the canton and the municipalities, as well as individuals who live in a household with the applicant or recipient, or who are obligated to provide maintenance or support for them, employers, current and former landlords and landladies of living spaces, as well as lodging providers, social insurance carriers, and other entities that support individuals are obligated, free of charge, to provide the necessary information and submit documents to the service providers as needed to establish, modify, ensure, disburse to third parties, or reclaim social benefits.

1. Individuals involved in the enforcement of this Act are obligated to maintain confidentiality towards third parties regarding matters that come to their knowledge in their official capacity.

2. Reserved are the duties of cooperation and disclosure among authorities and bodies as per Article 32 of the Federal Act on General Aspects of Social Security Law (ATSG) and other persons involved in the implementation of this Act, as well as significant public interests.

3. Additionally, the Federal Data Protection Act (DSG) and the Information and Data Protection Act apply.

1. The Government Council, in collaboration with the Municipalities, establishes the principles of its social policy according to Article 73 of the Cantonal Constitution in a social plan or in sub-plans corresponding to the areas of social services and periodically adapts them to changing circumstances.

2. The social plan particularly includes information on

a) Current and target state;

b) Goals and priorities;

c) Demand figures and regional needs;

d) Basic offerings and fundamental quality;

e) Necessary sponsorships;

f) Further necessary legal, economic, and organizational measures.

3. The Cantonal Council approves the social plan.

4. The Government Council and the Municipalities implement the social plan in social programs.

5. The Government Council periodically reports to the Cantonal Council in a social report whether the goals, results, and effects have been achieved and where the social plan needs to be adapted. The Cantonal Council approves the report.

1. The department authorizes and supervises the provision of social services and the operation of social institutions that

a) provide services in accordance with this law or

b) receive contributions from public funds.

2. ...

3. The authorization is issued as an operational license, recognition, or professional practice license.

4. The department may empower regional authorities or the social bodies of local municipalities to issue licenses or recognitions in specific fields of social services.

1. The approval or recognition requires that

a) the need is demonstrated in accordance with social planning;

b) a basic offering in the required basic quality is provided;

c) an operational concept or service contract is available;

d) the social task is economically performed, the social institution is economically operated, the institution's own economic capacity is adequately considered, the financing is secured, and reasonable operational reserves are established;

e) there is a willingness to collaborate (networking);

f) the requirements according to § 22 of the Health Act (GesG) of December 19, 2018, are analogously fulfilled, provided it is a social institution that, according to health insurance legislation, is classified as a service provider.

2. Every approval is limited in duration and can be subject to conditions and requirements, particularly regarding

a) the suitability of personnel in professional and personal respects;

b) the accompaniment, care, and treatment of the affected individuals;

c) the architectural design;

d) the operation management and organization;

e) the rate setting;

f) insurance;

g) ...

2a. For social institutions that, according to health insurance legislation, are classified as service providers, the following provisions of the GesG apply analogously

a) § 23 (Expiration of the approval);

b) § 25 (Supplementary provisions);

c) §§ 26 ff. (Rights and obligations of patients);

d) §§ 59 ff. (Supervision);

e) § 64 (Penalty provisions);

f) § 65 (Transitional provisions);

g) § 66 (Implementing provisions).

3. The approval of social institutions that, according to health insurance legislation, are not classified as service providers, can be revoked if the conditions according to paragraph 1, letters a-e, are no longer met.

4. The approval is particularly to be reviewed if investments are made that exceed an amount determined by the department.

1. Residential homes and day centers according to § 141, outpatient and semi-inpatient services according to § 142, and nursing homes according to § 144, which are located in the Canton of Solothurn and provide services charged to the obligatory health care insurance, are required to appropriately participate in the training and further education of non-university healthcare professions. The Governing Council may decide to wholly or partially suspend the execution of the training and further education obligation for the years 2024 and 2025 or allow for deviations in certain areas from the legal requirements concerning the training and further education obligation.

2. The scope of the training and further education obligation is determined, in particular, by taking into account the size and the offer of the establishment, as well as in relation to the need.

2bis. Anyone who provides services in the area of training and further education of non-university healthcare professions must create a training concept. The concept

a) specifically outlines the framework in which the training and further education takes place, the goals and focuses of the training and further education, as well as the number of available training and further education places;

b) indicates any deviations from the scope of the training and further education obligation established according to paragraph 2.

3. Training and further education places that are reasonable should be offered to persons with health restrictions whenever possible. Residential homes and day centers, outpatient and semi-inpatient services, and nursing homes strive for close cooperation with the relevant invalidity insurance (IV) offices in this respect.

4. Exempt from the training and further education obligation are establishments that, due to their size, are unable to offer training places and cannot join a training association.

5. The Governing Council regulates the details in an ordinance and may declare the guidelines of professional organizations or industry associations to be binding in this ordinance.

1. The Promotion of Education Relating to the Nursing Curriculum at a Higher Technical School (HF) and the Bachelor's Degree Program in Nursing at a University of Applied Sciences (FH) is governed by the Introductory Act to the Federal Act on the Promotion of Education in the Field of Nursing (EG Education Promotion Act Nursing) dated May 15, 2024.

1. The government council may delegate the execution and the related discretionary authority for determining and reviewing the training and continuing education obligations, as well as for establishing compensation payments, to professional organizations or industry associations. It enters into a performance agreement with these entities, which regulates the duties and reporting requirements.

1. The Government Council may conclude performance agreements with third parties in cantonal areas of performance, and the municipal councils may do so in communal areas of performance.

2. The performance agreements must ensure that

a) the objectives and results are verifiable and are evaluated;

b) the required quality is achieved;

c) resources are used economically;

d) legal protection is guaranteed.

3. The commissioning body shall verify whether the stipulations are being followed.

4. If the stipulations are not met, the performance agreement must be adjusted or dissolved, subject to any contractually stipulated sanctions.

5. The municipal association may negotiate framework agreements with industry organizations in communal areas of performance and recommend their application for performance agreements between municipalities and third parties. If a framework agreement is applied in two-thirds of the municipalities, the Government Council may, after consulting the municipal association and the relevant industry organization, declare it a binding standard for all municipalities.

1. The canton, municipal communities, and the institutions entrusted with tasks under this law shall collect and provide all relevant statistical data free of charge as required by the federal and cantonal departments, in order to enable a meaningful social statistics report, a social report, social research, and scientific work.

1. The Canton ensures social responsibilities within the framework of social planning by

a) guaranteeing the basic provision and quality standards;

b) approving and supervising the operation of social institutions;

c) entering into service agreements with third parties;

d) preparing lists, as mandated by federal legislation, of approved intra- and extra-cantonal social institutions and homes;

e) evaluating and reviewing results and impacts;

f) guaranteeing legal protection and equal treatment;

g) implementing federal regulations, inter-cantonal agreements, and international conventions.

2. It ensures that social responsibilities are fulfilled in the following service areas and financed according to this law

a) Implementation of social insurance according to federal law;

b)* Family allowances according to federal and cantonal law;

c)* Supplementary benefits to disability insurance and for low-income families;

d) Premium reduction in health insurance;

e) Housing and rent;

f) Victim assistance;

g)* Persons with disabilities;

h)* Reception and accommodation of minors outside the parental home (foster children);

i)* Parental education.

3. It may support specific social projects.

4. If it is required by public interest and suitable institutions are lacking, the Canton may establish its own institutions.

1. The Department shall carry out all of the Canton's duties within the regulatory scope of this law, insofar as these are not expressly assigned to other authorities or bodies.

1. The municipalities shall ensure that the social responsibilities are fulfilled and financed under the framework of this law in the following areas of service

a) Family, children, youth, and elderly;

b) Advance payment of alimony and collection assistance;

c) Integration of the foreign population;

d) Unemployment assistance;

e) Addiction support;

f) Outpatient and inpatient care and nursing;

g) Social welfare;

h) Burial;

i) Supplementary benefits to the old-age and survivors' insurance;

j) Voluntary engagement;

k) Debt and budget counseling.

2. They may support specific social projects.

1. The municipal communities perform the tasks assigned to them regarding social assistance, institutional cooperation, and child and adult protection in social regions.

2. A social region must encompass at least 12,000 inhabitants. The government council may permit social regions with a smaller number of inhabitants, taking into account regional circumstances.

3. The municipal communities may generally transfer additional social responsibilities only to the social region to which they belong for social assistance. The government council may approve exceptions in justified cases.

4. Social regions may merge to fulfill social responsibilities jointly.

1. The Social Region

a)* Elects a Social Commission, which

1. assesses fundamental issues of social security,

2. specifically plans social assistance, identifies the needs, ensures quality, and decides whether a social benefit or service is granted,

3.* ...

b) Conducts a Social Service, which

1.* in individual cases provides the basis for decisions on social benefits as well as child and adult protection measures,

2. agrees on individual goals with clients and implements and reviews the measures.

2. The municipalities can establish their own Social Commissions.

**1. The Compensation Fund of the Canton of Solothurn (AKSO) executes**

a) federal law concerning the

1. Old Age and Survivors Insurance (AHVG),

2. Disability Insurance (IVG) according to Article 60 IVG,

3. Income Compensation for Service Providers and Maternity (EOG),

4.* Family Allowances in Agriculture (FLG),

5.* Family Allowances outside of Agriculture (FamZG);

b) cantonal law concerning the

1. Supplementary Benefits (ELG),

2.* Family Allowances,

3. Individual Premium Reduction (KVG).

**2. The Government Council can assign the Compensation Fund additional tasks with the consent of the federal bodies.**

**3. The IV Office administers insurance under IVG in cooperation with the Old Age and Survivors Insurance bodies.**

1. The Compensation Fund and the IV Office are autonomous public law institutions with their own legal personality, independent of the cantonal administration. Their board of directors determines their location.

2. The Compensation Fund is under the technical supervision of the federal government and performs its duties based on federal legislation and directives from federal authorities.

3. The IV Office is under the technical, administrative, and financial supervision of the federal government and performs its duties based on federal legislation and corresponding directives from federal authorities.

4. The Compensation Fund and the IV Office communicate directly with federal authorities within their areas of responsibility.

1. The Government Council elects a joint Board of Directors and its President for the Compensation Fund and the Disability Insurance Office.

2. The Board of Directors consists of 5-7 members. The heads of the Compensation Fund and the Disability Insurance Office participate in the meetings of the Board of Directors in an advisory capacity.

3. The Board of Directors

a) issues organizational and operational regulations;

b) decides on the staffing plan and organizational chart of the Compensation Fund and the Disability Insurance Office; the organizational chart and staffing plan of the Disability Insurance Office must be approved by the Federal Office;

c) proposes the General Managers of the Compensation Fund and the Disability Insurance Office;

d) selects the audit agency for the Compensation Fund and Disability Insurance Office;

e) supervises the Compensation Fund, Disability Insurance Office, and Family Compensation Offices and monitors their management;

f) approves the budgets, annual accounts, and annual reports of the Compensation Fund and the cantonal Family Compensation Fund;

g) advises on matters to be decided by the Government Council or Cantonal Council;

h) addresses supervisory complaints against the Compensation Fund, Disability Insurance Office, and the cantonal Family Compensation Fund;

i) sets the contributions for the administrative costs of the Compensation Fund and its branches and the compensations for the branches;

j) may issue directives to the management of the Compensation Fund and the Disability Insurance Office.

1. The powers and duties of the management of the Compensation Fund and the management of the IV Office are governed by the Organizational and Operational Regulations.

2. The Government Council shall regulate, in particular, the basic principles of the fund's organization and the cooperation between the Compensation Fund and the IV Office in an ordinance.

1. The compensation fund operates branch offices, issues directives to them, and supervises them.

2. It may agree with social regions for them to operate a branch office.

1. The audit office periodically examines the business activities of the compensation fund and the IV office in accordance with the provisions of federal legislation. It informs the board of directors.

2. The compensation fund conducts an audit of the employers or designates audit agencies.

1. The compensation fund levies administrative cost contributions from the affiliated employers, self-employed individuals, and non-employed persons for the federal tasks, which cover their administrative expenses, including compensations for the tasks of their branches as well as the auditing and control costs.

2. The canton reimburses the compensation fund for the administrative costs for the tasks assigned to it by the canton.

1. The liability of the canton for the execution of federal tasks is governed exclusively by federal legislation.

2. For the tasks assigned to the compensation fund by the canton, the Responsibility Act applies.

1. Family Compensation Offices are responsible for determining and disbursing family allowances according to federal and cantonal law and collecting contributions from employers, employees of non-contributory employers, self-employed individuals, and non-working persons.

2. Family Compensation Offices

a)* must at least provide the child and education allowances prescribed in the Federal Act on Family Allowances of March 24, 2006 (FamZG) and ensure that they conduct their activities in an orderly manner in compliance with the Federal Act, this law, and their own regulations;

b)* may delegate the disbursement of family allowances for employees to employers.

3. Family Compensation Offices are exempt from cantonal and communal taxes.

1. The family compensation funds shall collect the contributions for the financing of supplementary benefits for families from those subject to contributions.

2. The family compensation funds shall make the collected contributions available to the respective executing authority, after deducting the specified administrative expenses.

1. Private Family Compensation Funds are recognized as family compensation funds of Swiss and cantonal professional associations of employers as well as cantonal inter-professional associations of employers, provided they meet the following conditions

a) If the area of activity of the family compensation fund is limited to the Canton of Solothurn, it must comprise at least 50 employers or at least 500 employees;

b)* If the area of activity of the family compensation fund extends over several cantons or throughout Switzerland, it must comprise in at least two cantons at least 50 employers and 500 employees, or, irrespective of the number of employers, at least 1000 employees.

2. For family compensation funds managed by Association Compensation Funds of the AHV, the requirements according to paragraph 1 and paragraphs 3 and 4 do not apply. These family compensation funds must register with the cantonal government.

3. The cantonal government recognizes independent family compensation funds if they meet the legal requirements.

4. It revokes recognition if the family compensation fund no longer meets the legal requirements and fails to restore the lawful state within a reasonable period despite being requested to do so.

5. The definition of the terms employers and employees is governed mutatis mutandis by the Federal Act on Old Age and Survivors' Insurance of December 20, 1946 (AHVG)[36].

1. The canton establishes a cantonal family compensation fund as an independent public-law institution. It delegates the management to the Solothurn Cantonal Compensation Fund.

2. The cantonal family compensation fund

a) controls the contribution obligation of affiliated employers, employees of non-contributory employers, self-employed individuals, and non-working persons;

b) collects contributions for family allowances from contributing companies and individuals;

c) reimburses the compensation fund for administrative costs;

d) implements the Federal Law on Family Allowances in Agriculture (FLG) as well as the Federal Law on Family Allowances (FamZG).

1. Employers who are members of a professional association with its own private family compensation fund are required to join it.

2. Contributors, who are members of both a professional association and an inter-professional association, may choose to affiliate with the family compensation fund of one of the two associations at their discretion.

3. Those who do not belong to a private family compensation fund must join the cantonal family compensation fund.

4. The provisions of the AHVG regarding fund membership and fund transfers apply accordingly.

1. Family compensation funds shall be audited periodically.

2. Employers affiliated with the family compensation funds shall be periodically monitored for compliance with legal regulations.

3. The provisions of the AHVG regarding fund audits and employer inspections shall apply mutatis mutandis.

1. The family compensation funds must submit the business report, including the audit report from the control office, to the Board of Directors of the Compensation Fund of the Canton of Solothurn (Board of Directors).

1bis. The business report or the additional special reporting must separately include, in particular, the amount of contribution rates and the total contributions, the total taxable payroll of employers subject to this law, the total family allowances to their employees, the total contribution income from self-employed and non-employed persons, as well as the total family allowances to self-employed and non-employed persons. The Board of Directors may further specify the details of the reporting.

2. The Board of Directors of the Compensation Fund exercises supervision. It

a) decides on disputes between the family compensation funds;

b)* approves the business report of the cantonal family compensation fund;

c)* advises the family compensation funds and the department.

1. The Canton operates a public unemployment fund. It designates an official office and runs Regional Employment Centers (RAV) as well as a Logistics Office (LAM) to provide labor market measures.

2. The Government Council may delegate responsibilities of the cantonal official office pursuant to Article 85 of the Unemployment Insurance Act (AVIG) to the RAV and the LAM.

3. For the RAV, the Canton establishes the Commission for Cantonal Labor Market Policy (KAP) as a tripartite commission.

1. The Financing of the Administrative Costs of the AVIG Implementation Agencies and the Labor Market Measures is Governed by Federal Legislation.

1. The Executive Council may enter into contracts with other cantons to jointly provide social services and share the costs.

2. The Canton generally recognizes out-of-canton social institutions if the canton where the institution is based or located has authorized its operation based on inter-cantonal agreements or federally mandated lists.

3. The Canton and municipalities allow visits or stays in out-of-canton institutions if

a) appropriate institutions or places are lacking in the canton;

b) the institution is better suited or more accessible;

c) other significant reasons exist.

1. The canton, municipal communities, social insurance carriers, and social institutions work together in partnership.

2. The canton and municipal communities may collaborate with civic and church communities, as well as with private organizations or individuals, to fulfill social responsibilities.

3. The municipal communities may delegate specific social tasks or areas of service to the canton, social institutions, or private individuals.

1. The canton and the municipal communities closely collaborate with the social insurance carriers and the employer representatives to ensure the joint development, promotion, and implementation of offers for common social responsibilities.

2. ...

3. The government council regulates the details in an ordinance. It determines, in particular

a) the members of the bodies for inter-institutional cooperation;

b) the cantonal office.

1. The Executive Council may establish expert commissions in specific fields of social services.

2. ...

1. Communities and recognized social institutions charge for the services provided to individuals based on a fee schedule established by them. The fees reflect the full costs of the services rendered.

2. Capital follow-up costs (interest and depreciation) of eligible investments, as well as provisions for future investments (construction, expansion, renewal, and furnishing), are considered operating expenses. The executive council determines the amount of eligible capital follow-up costs and provisions.

3. Services of communities to recognized institutions are generally determined as performance-related contributions to the fees (subject financing). They are paid directly to the institution and accordingly reduce the fees charged.

4. The law may also provide for subsidies that are not performance-related (object financing).

1. The government council establishes general maximum rates for recognized institutions.

2. The department approves the applicable individual rates.

3. In disputed cases, the department determines the individual rates.

4. Regulations of inter-cantonal agreements remain reserved.

1. Debtors of the fees are generally those individuals who receive the services.

2. The public entity or the social insurance reimburses the entitled individuals for the fees either fully or partially through individual social benefits according to this law. If the social benefits do not fully cover the fees, the difference must be borne by the recipient of the service.

1. The canton and the municipal communities shall bear the financial obligations assigned to them under this law in their respective areas of responsibility.

2. The canton shall provide the contributions required by federal law to the federal social insurances.

3. ...

4. ...

5. ...

1. The following services are subject to burden sharing among the local municipalities

a) Contributions to supplementary benefits;

b) Contributions to inter-institutional cooperation;

c) Advanced maintenance payments;

d) Unemployment assistance, insofar as it is not financed through unemployment insurance;

e) Addiction assistance;

f)* Social assistance;

g)* Care cost contributions according to § 144ter.

h)* Care contributions according to § 143bis and § 143ter.

2. The burden sharing includes all financial benefits and reimbursements or uncollected claims, including debt collection and legal costs associated with the collection process.

3. The costs of social services and social administration are borne by the respective local municipality, subject to Section 4.

4. The administrative costs of the social regions fall under the burden sharing among the local municipalities if

a) the social region meets the legal requirements and the quantitative, qualitative, personnel, and economic requirements for service provision set by the government council are fulfilled, and

b) social services and social administration are operated with at least 2.5 full-time positions.

5. The canton enforces the burden sharing.

6. The financial benefits and administrative costs falling under the burden sharing are distributed among the entirety of the local municipalities in proportion to the population according to the current cantonal population statistics.

7. The government council may supplement the distribution key according to Section 6 to create incentives for the local municipalities and social regions for more efficient organization of the tasks subject to burden sharing.

1. The Cantonal Council Approves

a) the necessary annually recurring expenditures in the budget definitively;

b) new one-time expenditures within the framework of constitutional jurisdiction;

c) the increase of the canton's share in the premium reduction according to § 93 paragraph 3 up to a maximum amount of 30 million Swiss francs definitively.*

2. The Government Council

a) decides annually recurring or one-time expenditures for substitute performances up to one million Swiss francs definitively;

b) grants cantonal guarantees up to five million Swiss francs per case.

3. The Municipalities Decide on Expenditures According to the Regulations of the Municipal Charter.

4. The Use of Funds from the Lottery Fund and Other Funds Remains Expressly Reserved.

1. Cantonal fees are levied according to the fee tariff.

2. Municipal fees are to be established in regulatory ordinances of the local municipality.

1. The canton and local municipalities promote conditions that protect against social risks and emergencies and favor an independent, responsible life.

2. They enhance the abilities of individuals to act responsibly, regardless of their social status and economic capacity, and empower them to lead an independent, responsible life.

1. The canton combats the causes of social endangerment or distress in individual social circumstances by

a) taking measures in special legislation;

b) addressing social issues, providing information and communication, and conducting campaigns in the respective living environments;

c) establishing or supporting specialist agencies.

2. The canton and municipalities promote prevention in the fields of service assigned to them by law with appropriate measures by

a) strengthening individual competences in social behavior through initial counseling, the provision of services, training measures, and training offers;

b) enabling individuals to avoid social endangerment or to liberate themselves from a social emergency through counseling, support for self-help, and guidance.

1. The government council uses federal and additional financial resources, particularly the alcohol levy and the cantonal fund for the prevention and combat of gambling addiction, for projects related to prevention and aftercare in the social and health sectors.

2. The canton may attach conditions to the granting of contributions in municipal service areas.

1. Municipalities promote voluntary engagement in the interest of the general public, particularly in the areas of senior services, care, social assistance, and integration.

2. They coordinate and network services and projects among each other and ensure that their engagement does not compete with paid work.

1. The Aim and Purpose of the Federal Social Insurance Laws are Derived from the Federal Act on the General Part of Social Insurance Law (ATSG) and the Respective Specialized Federal Legislation.

1. The department exercises supervision over the pension institutions according to Article 48 of the Federal Act on Occupational Old Age, Survivors', and Disability Pensions (BVG).

1. The compensation fund decides on applications for waiver of minimum contributions to the AHV, IV, and EO. The canton must be consulted before the waiver is granted.

2. The canton bears the waived minimum contributions.

1. The development of hospital planning and the hospital list according to the Federal Act on Health Insurance (KVG) is governed by the provisions of the Hospital Act. The Government Council is responsible for the planning and the list of nursing homes approved for mandatory health care insurance.

2. The premium reduction according to the KVG is governed by §§ 89 to 94.

3. The department handles the other tasks assigned to the canton by federal legislation in the realm of mandatory health care insurance, insofar as these are not delegated to the municipalities under § 65. It is authorized

a) to issue the necessary directives;

b) to decide on federal law exceptions concerning the insurance obligation.

1. The auditors of the insurers confirm the statements of the insurers concerning loss certificates.

2. If the insurer reports to the department that it has initiated enforcement proceedings, the department informs the insurer whether the enforced claims due to social assistance or supplementary benefits are reimbursed before the issuance of a loss certificate. The written notification from the department serves as a legal title equivalent to a loss certificate. Enforcement costs incurred after the department's notification are not reimbursed.

1. Municipal Communities

a) ensure and monitor that their residents comply with the insurance obligation;

b) inform the population about the insurance obligation as the situation requires;

c) can demand proof of insurance from any person in the municipal community; newly arriving persons must provide proof within 14 days after registering with the residents' registration office;

d) directly assign persons subject to the insurance obligation, who do not have proven insurance coverage, to a social health insurance provider.

1. The Purpose of Family Allowances

Family allowances aim to support and promote eligible families.

1. Non-employed persons are affiliated with the family compensation fund of the AHV compensation fund to which they pay their AHV contributions. If the latter does not operate a family compensation fund in their canton of residence, the cantonal family compensation fund is responsible.

1. Self-employed individuals belong to the family compensation fund of the AHV compensation fund to which they pay their AHV contributions. If this fund does not operate a family compensation fund in the canton where their business is located or, if there is no such location, in their canton of residence, the cantonal family compensation fund is responsible.

1. Contributions to family equalization funds are levied as a percentage of the total salary subject to AHV (Old Age and Survivors' Insurance) contributions.

2. For non-employed individuals whose AHV contribution exceeds the minimum contribution according to Article 10 AHVG (Federal Act on Old Age and Survivors' Insurance), contributions are levied as a percentage of the AHV contribution. The government council uniformly sets the percentage for all family equalization funds that implement this law.

2bis. For self-employed individuals, contributions are levied as a percentage of the income subject to AHV contributions.

2ter. The family equalization funds determine the contribution amount on the AHV-liable total salary and on the self-employed individuals’ income subject to AHV contributions as percentages.

3. Contributions to the cantonal family equalization fund are set by the board of directors and are the same for contributor groups attached to it, namely, employers and employees of non-contributing employers on one hand, and self-employed individuals on the other hand.

4. The contributions serve to finance family allowances, to cover the administrative costs of the family equalization funds, to create an adequate fluctuation reserve, and to finance any payments to the burden equalizations.

1. A balancing of burdens is conducted among approved family compensation funds for each calendar year.

2. The cantonal family compensation fund carries out the balancing procedure. The costs arising from this are reimbursed and financed through a surcharge on the contribution payments into the balancing.

3. The audit office of the cantonal family compensation fund prepares a report for the board of directors on the lawful execution of the balancing procedure.

1. The Equalization of Burdens is based on an equalization rate and a risk rate.

2. The equalization rate expressed as a percentage is derived from the ratio between the family allowances provided by all family compensation funds within the legal scope and the sum of wages subject to AHV contributions of all family compensation funds. The family allowances for non-working persons are not considered. The risk rate, also expressed as a percentage, is calculated in the same manner as the equalization rate but refers to the ratio of the family allowances granted to the contribution-liable wage sum of the individual family compensation fund.

3. The risk rate of the individual family compensation fund is determined based on the same calculation relative to the respective family compensation fund.

1. Family compensation funds, whose own risk rate is below the compensation rate, shall pay the corresponding difference into the compensation pool.

2. Family compensation funds, whose own risk rate is above the compensation rate, shall receive the corresponding difference from the compensation pool.

1. A special equalization of burdens concerning the financing of family allowances for non-working persons is conducted among the family compensation funds according to Articles 38 and 39 for each calendar year.

2. The cantonal family compensation fund conducts the equalization procedure. The costs arising from this are reimbursed to it from the equalization payments. The canton assumes any possible deficit in the implementation costs.

3. Family compensation funds, whose contribution income from non-working persons is higher than the statutory family allowances paid to non-working persons, including administrative costs, pay the excess into this equalization. Family compensation funds, whose contribution income from non-working persons is lower than the statutory family allowances paid to non-working persons, including administrative costs, receive the deficit from the equalization.

4. If the surplus payments into the special equalization do not suffice to cover the deficits, the canton bears the difference. If, following the equalization payments, a surplus remains in the special equalization, it is used for financing the equalization payments in subsequent years.

1. The provisions of the Federal Act on the General Part of the Social Insurance Law of October 6, 2000 (ATSG) and the AHVG shall apply insofar as the FamZG, the Ordinance on Family Allowances (FamZV), the Social Law, and the cantonal enforcement regulations do not contain any regulations.

2. In particular, the provisions of the AHVG and the corresponding implementing regulations shall apply to

a) the audit of funds and the control of employers;

b) the determination and collection of contributions, including late interest. This also applies to contributions to the equalization of burdens pursuant to §§ 73 to 76.

1. All family compensation funds recognized under social law are authorized to systematically use the AHV insurance number to implement the family allowance scheme.

1. Persons with a civil law domicile or habitual residence in the Canton of Solothurn are entitled to supplementary benefits in accordance with federal regulations.

1. The benefits are generally based on the provisions of the Federal Act on Supplementary Benefits to Old Age, Survivors, and Invalidity Insurance (ELG).

2. To the extent permitted by the ELG, the Cantonal Government specifically determines

a) the personal expenses of nursing home residents;

b) the limitation of costs considered due to residence in a nursing home, provided that no social assistance must be claimed as a result;

c) the limitation of reimbursement of costs arising from illness or disability within the scope of economical and effective service provision;

d) the assessable depletion of assets.

3. Properties that do not serve the own residential purposes of the benefit recipients or a person included in the EL calculation are incorporated into the calculation at market value.

1. Applications for the receipt of a supplementary benefit must be submitted to the AHV branch office.

1. The compensation fund shall generally decide on the request under Article 49 paragraph 1 ATSG by issuing a decision, and it typically disburses the supplementary benefits on a monthly basis.

2. The compensation fund shall maintain a separate account for the expenses related to supplementary benefits and for its incurred administrative costs. It shall claim the federal, cantonal, and municipal contributions through the department and settle the accounts after the close of the financial year.

3. The provisions applicable to the enforcement of the AHV and IV (organization, management, supervision, liability, and auditing) shall apply mutatis mutandis.

1. The Canton and the municipal communities reimburse the compensation fund for the costs incurred due to the delegated task, in accordance with the proportion attributable to the supplementary benefits for old-age and survivors' insurance or the supplementary benefits for disability insurance.

1. Individuals are entitled to supplementary benefits for families if they cumulatively meet the following conditions

a) They have a domicile or usual residence in the canton of Solothurn and fulfill these conditions continuously for 2 years immediately prior to the point in time from which the supplementary benefit for families is claimed;

b) They live in a household with children under 6 years of age;

c) They earn a gross income

1. for families with at least one child under 3 years of age and either one adult of more than 7,500 francs or two adults of more than 30,000 francs;

2. for families without children under 3 years of age and either one adult of more than 15,000 francs or two adults of more than 30,000 francs;

d) The recognized expenses according to § 85quinquies exceed the countable income according to § 85sexies.

2. As children within the meaning of paragraph 1 letter b are considered

a) Children for whom a child relationship exists within the meaning of the Civil Code;

b) Stepchildren;

c) Foster children who have been taken in for permanent care and upbringing without compensation.

3. If a parent lives with a partner without joint children for more than two years in a household, their incomes are aggregated.

1. Supplemental benefits for families, including enforcement costs, are financed through contributions from taxable legal entities that are obligated to contribute to family compensation funds.

2. A separate contribution rate of a maximum of 0.15% of the wage totals that are binding for family allowances applies to the contributions. The Government Council sets the effective contribution rate annually.

3. The procedure and enforcement for collecting the contributions are analogous to the federal and cantonal regulations on family allowances and the family compensation funds; exceptions are the provisions concerning burden equalization pursuant to § 73 to § 76.

1. The annual supplementary benefit for families corresponds to the amount by which the recognized expenses exceed the recognized income, but may not exceed twice the annual minimum amount of the old-age pension according to Article 34, paragraph 5, of the AHVG in a calendar year.

2. If the family has more than two children, the maximum amount according to paragraph 1 is increased by 5,000 francs for each additional child.

3. If the entitlement to supplementary benefits for families does not exist for an entire year, the maximum amount is limited proportionally to the duration of the entitlement.

4. The recognized expenses and countable income of the family are totaled.

5. The family includes

a) the eligible person;

b) the children according to § 85bis;

c) the spouse, if the marriage is not legally separated;

d) other persons who, with respect to the children as described in § 85bis,

1. have a kinship or custodial relationship and live with them in a domestic community;

2. have no kinship or custodial relationship but have lived with them in a domestic community for more than two years.

1. With the exception of the premiums for mandatory health care insurance, the recognized expenses are determined in accordance with Article 10 ELG.

1bis For the premiums for mandatory health care insurance, the premiums of the basic insurance are taken into account, but not exceeding the cantonal average premium for mandatory health care insurance. These benefits are considered premium reductions and are paid directly to the health insurer.

1ter ...

2. The government council may reduce the amount for living expenses and the amount for rent expenses by up to a maximum of 20 percent each.

1. The application for receiving supplementary benefits for families must be submitted to the department. This department is also responsible for implementation.

2. The procedure follows, mutatis mutandis, the provisions of Articles 34 et seq. of the Act on the General Part of Social Insurance Law (ATSG). The supplementary benefits for families are typically paid out monthly.

1. The following amounts are always considered annual net earned income

a) For families with at least one child under 3 years of age and

1. one adult: 10,000 Swiss Francs

2. two adults: 40,000 Swiss Francs

b) For families without children under 3 years of age and

1. one adult: 20,000 Swiss Francs

2. two adults: 40,000 Swiss Francs

2. The actual annual net earned income that exceeds the amounts under paragraph 1 is considered at 80 percent up to the following amounts

a) 10,000 Swiss Francs for families with one adult;

b) 20,000 Swiss Francs for families with two adults.

3. One tenth of the family's total net assets is considered, insofar as it exceeds 40,000 Swiss Francs; if the family owns real property, the provisions of the EL concerning AHV/IV apply.

4. Furthermore, Article 11 ELG is applicable.

1. The entitlement to an annual supplementary benefit to the AHV (Old Age and Survivors Insurance) and the IV (Invalidity Insurance) excludes the entitlement to family supplementary benefits.

2. If more than one person is entitled to family supplementary benefits for the same child, the entitlement is awarded in the following order to the person who

a) has custody;

b) has parental authority, and if this is exercised jointly, to the mother;

c) permanently and gratuitously provides for the child.

**1. Premium Reduction**

Premium reduction is carried out in execution of the Federal Health Insurance Act.

1. Individuals whose expenses for the premiums of mandatory health care insurance exceed the percentage of the relevant income determined by the government council are entitled to premium reduction contributions if they

a) are insured with an insurer recognized by the federal government for mandatory health care insurance;

b) had their residence in the canton of Solothurn on January 1st of the entitlement year.

2. Individuals who are jointly taxed have a combined entitlement to premium reduction. They may request a separate payment.

3. The determining factor is the personal and family situation as of January 1st of the entitlement year.

1. The Government Council establishes general benchmark premiums for the calculation of the entitlement to premium reduction. In doing so, it aligns with the cantonal average premiums of the mandatory health care insurance.

1. The relevant income is based on the tax values of the most recent legally binding tax assessment according to the cantonal tax law and consists of an adjusted income determining the rate and a portion of the property determining the rate.

2. The Government Council

a) determines the parameters, the portion of taxable property, and the percentage of the relevant income;

b) may exclude the payment of minimal premium reduction contributions.

3. Persons who are assessed for tax purposes at discretion have no entitlement to premium reduction.

1. The entitlement to premium reduction in special cases, particularly for persons who receive supplementary benefits to AHV/IV or social assistance, for self-employed individuals in education, persons subject to withholding tax, asylum seekers and persons seeking protection, may be regulated differently by the government council.

2. If the taxable income definitively established at a later date significantly deviates from the income underlying the calculation of the premium reduction, an application for reimbursement can be submitted, or a refund can be initiated ex officio within the calendar year.

3. If the tax values of the applicant clearly do not correspond to their economic capacity, these values must be adjusted accordingly.

1. The payment of the premium reduction is made directly to the insurers. The insurers deduct the transmitted premium contributions from the premiums of the current year and indicate the premium reduction to the insured on an individual basis.

2. ...

1. Payments assumed by the local municipalities are directed to

a) Authorities, offices, social services, family members, or third parties who advance benefits of the mandatory health care insurance for insured persons;

b) Insurers with outstanding premiums due for the mandatory health care insurance of insured persons.

2. The disbursement can only occur to the extent that payments, advances, or outstanding premiums are proven.

1. The Premium Reduction is financed by

a) Contributions from the Federal Government;

b) Contributions from the Canton.

2. The Cantonal contribution corresponds to 80% of the Federal contribution.

3. The Cantonal contribution is definitively determined by the Cantonal Council. It can increase the Cantonal contribution by a maximum of 30 million Swiss Francs.

1. The child support advance aims to ensure the subsistence of a child in economically modest circumstances by fulfilling its maintenance claim in a subsidiary and needs-based manner.

1. Eligibility for Advance Payments is granted to children not residing with both parents.

2. If the child, upon reaching the age of majority, is still undergoing education, their eligibility for advance payments continues until the completion of their initial education can ordinarily be achieved, but no later than the age of 25.

3. Advance payments are made for maintenance contributions determined by an enforceable order, an enforceable judgment, or a maintenance agreement made by the father or mother.

4. Advance payments are also granted if the amount of maintenance contributions has not yet been determined by court or contract, or if it could not be established.

5. Advance payments are only made for

a) Maintenance contributions that were not overdue for more than three months at the time of the initial application;

b) Ongoing maintenance contributions.

6. No advance payments are granted if the child's habitual residence is located abroad.

**1. Advances**

Advances shall only be granted if the annual taxable income

a) of the entitled child does not exceed 14,000 Swiss Francs;

b) of the parent or in the case of remarriage, of the family with whom the child resides does not exceed 44,000 Swiss Francs after deduction of the advanced alimony;

c) of the parent with whom the child resides, and that of the parent's partner, does not exceed 44,000 Swiss Francs after deduction of the advanced alimony, and under the Tax Law [53] the family rate applies to the parent.

2. The Government Council may adjust the income limits upwards or downwards by 10% corresponding to the development of taxable average annual incomes.

3. If the taxable values evidently do not correspond to the economic capacity of the applicant, these values shall be taken as a reference.

4. No advances shall be granted if the child, the parent, or the family with whom the child resides shows taxable assets.

1. The advance corresponds to a maximum of the individual maintenance contribution determined by court, authority, or contract, but shall not exceed the average of the minimum and maximum simple orphan's pension according to the Federal Law on Old Age and Survivors' Insurance (AHVG).

2. Regular partial payments made by the maintenance debtor will be credited towards the advance.

3. If the maintenance contribution has not yet been determined, the advance and collection offices shall uniformly set the advance within the framework of the general limitation.

1. The applicant must credibly demonstrate that the maintenance contributions cannot be collected to the extent of the possible advance amount.

2. Advances are granted upon application.

3. The Advance Payment and Collection Office periodically verifies whether the conditions are still met and terminates the advance if the conditions for awarding advances are no longer fulfilled.

1. The competent authority pursuant to Section 104, Paragraph 1bis, collects the advanced maintenance contributions from the maintenance debtor.

2. It utilizes all legal means and secures payments by, in particular

a) taking legal actions under the Federal Act on Debt Collection and Bankruptcy;

b) asserting wage assignments and direct payments;

c) arranging for children's pensions from social insurance to be awarded or transferred directly;

d) filing arrest claims on pension plan assets pursuant to the Federal Act on Occupational Retirement, Survivors' and Disability Pension Plans;

e) requesting security payments;

f) filing criminal complaints for neglect of support obligations.

3. Claims that cannot be collected are to be borne by the municipal residents' communities.

1. The purpose of debt collection assistance is to enforce maintenance claims in accordance with child law, marriage and divorce law under the Swiss Civil Code, as well as the Federal Act on the Registered Partnerships of Same-Sex Couples (Partnership Act, PartG) of June 18, 2004.

1. The debt collection assistance is governed by the provisions of the Regulation on Debt Collection Assistance for Family Law Maintenance Claims (InkHV) dated December 6, 2019. Additionally, the following provisions shall apply.

1. Subject Matter of Collection Assistance includes maintenance claims according to child law, marriage and divorce law under the Swiss Civil Code (ZGB) as well as under the Registered Partnership Act (PartG) as per Article 3 Paragraphs 1-3 of the Collection Assistance Regulation (InkHV), as well as claims for special contributions for unforeseen extraordinary needs of the child as per Article 286 Paragraph 3 ZGB and claims of the unmarried mother according to Article 295 ZGB.

2. The competent specialized office also processes applications in cross-border situations.

1. ...

2. ...

3. The services of the competent authority for collection assistance for child maintenance contributions are free of charge.

4. The services of the competent authority for collection assistance for maintenance contributions for other entitled persons are generally free of charge. If the entitled person has the necessary means, they must contribute to the costs of the services provided by the competent authority.

5. The costs for services provided by third parties, namely enforcement, procedural, and translation costs, are advanced by the community and are to be borne by the obligated person. If they cannot be recovered from the obligated person, they are to be imposed on the entitled person if this person has the necessary means.

6. The government council determines the relevant financial circumstances under which the entitled person has the necessary means and the extent of cost sharing according to paragraph 4 in an ordinance.

7. With regard to the costs of collection assistance for family law claims according to Article 286 paragraph 3 and Article 295 Swiss Civil Code (ZGB), paragraphs 4 and 5 of this provision apply mutatis mutandis.

1. The canton grants assistance on behalf of the municipalities.

1bis. The government council designates the competent office for collection assistance in accordance with Article 2 paragraph 2 InkHV and stipulates the professional requirements for its employees in a regulation.

2. The office entrusted with providing assistance consults the municipal or regional social agencies.

1. The canton and municipal communities ensure structures that support families and guarantee access to early childhood development services.

2. Early childhood development services are considered to include all services available to preschool-aged children and their caregivers, which support the learning and development processes of these children and enable them to grow up safely and healthily.

1. The municipalities shall provide accessible counseling and support services for families. These services offer general and specific assistance to

a)* strengthen parents, legal guardians, and other family caregivers in their caregiving and parenting skills,

b)* support them in dealing with family-related problems, and

c)* promote the healthy development of the children.

1. The canton provides parents with educational opportunities to enhance their competencies in family work.

**1. For children with insufficient German language skills, there is a voluntary offer of early language enhancement at the latest one year before mandatory school entry. The municipal authorities can mandate children with insufficient German language skills, as determined by language assessment, to attend such an early language enhancement offer no later than the year before reaching the age for mandatory school entry.**

**2. The municipal authorities are responsible for:**

a) the assessment of the need for language development support, in compliance with the cantonal guidelines;

b) ensuring the provision of an appropriate early language enhancement offer, which should take place in playgroups or as part of family-supportive childcare services.

**3. If the municipal authorities choose not to mandate attendance at an early development offer, they may require a contribution from the educational guardians that corresponds to their financial capacity, as long as it does not infringe on the minimum subsistence level. If attendance at an early language enhancement offer is mandated by the municipal authority, the cost of attendance must be financed by the municipal authority.**

**4. The executive council regulates the specifics of assessing German language skills through an ordinance.**

**5. Three years after the provisions for early language enhancement come into force, an evaluation of the impacts is conducted by the executive council, followed by the preparation of a corresponding report.**

1. The canton coordinates the services for families, early childhood education, and parental education and promotes their further development by

a) providing professional advice to municipalities as well as public and private institutions;

b) supporting projects and measures;

c) promoting services to municipalities and networking them with each other;

d) evaluating development and reporting on it.

2. It participates in an appropriate manner in the quality development costs for early language promotion. The government council specifies the prerequisites and scope of participation in an ordinance.

1. The municipalities promote supplementary family childcare services by providing assistance in particular

a) for family and school supplementary childcare services, such as day schools, lunch programs, and homework assistance;

b) for supplementary family childcare services, such as after-school care centers and daycare centers.

1. Municipalities may provide school social work at public elementary schools as part of youth assistance.

2. School Social Work

a) assists in the early identification, prevention, or management of social and cultural difficulties encountered by students in their daily lives;

b) intervenes immediately and purposefully in social crisis situations.

3. School social work collaborates situationally with children and adolescents, parents of affected children and adolescents, teachers, school and youth psychological and psychiatric services, as well as social services.

1. The canton authorizes and oversees the placement of minors outside the parental home (foster children) and ensures compensation for services in accordance with the provisions of §§ 51 to 53.

2. The supervision of foster children extends to family care, day care, and institutional care.

3. The conditions for authorization and supervision are governed by the federal ordinance on the placement of children for care and adoption (PAVO).

4. Provisions remain reserved for institutions subject to special authorization and supervision requirements under this law or special legislation.

1. The canton ensures that children who cannot temporarily or permanently live with their parents are cared for in foster families and homes, supplementing the services reserved under § 9, with care allowances.

2. The chargeable costs of family and institutional care consist of

a) Hospitality costs (including accommodation, meals, a flat rate for investment costs, a flat rate for training);

b) Care costs, generally excluding school and training.

3. Expenses for the child's personal equipment, individual leisure activities, as well as travel costs home or for individual holidays, are not covered.

4. The care allowances are cantonal social welfare benefits, which do not fall under the cost equalization according to § 55.

5. The care allowances are paid directly to foster families or homes, or to authorities that have advanced stay. No allowances are provided to foster families or homes without an operational or care place permit.

6. For access and financing of out-of-canton services, the provisions according to § 46 paragraph 3 apply.

1. The canton shall establish a specialized agency for family and home care services with the mandate to

a) regulate the financing of stays pursuant to § 110bis;

b) inform and advise the child protection authorities and guardians about in-canton and out-of-canton services;

c) coordinate, evaluate, and develop the services according to planning.

2. The child protection authorities, social regions, guardians, and other authorized persons shall execute placements financed by care allowances in collaboration with the specialized agency.

1. Children in foster care or residential care must be adequately insured against the consequences of illness, accidents, and liability.

2. Liability insurance must be taken out for children in day foster care.

1. The municipal communities promote child and youth work, child and youth culture, as well as the participation of children and young people. They do this in particular by

a) making contributions to programs and projects;

b) providing space and infrastructure;

c) involving children and young people in processes and decisions.

2. ...

1. The canton establishes an intake and coordination office for issues related to children and youth with the aim to

a) provide professional advice to municipalities, public and private institutions;

b) support institutions and activities for children and youth;

c) offer professional guidance for youth work projects;

d) support projects related to youth culture;

e)* promote the participation of children and youth;

f)* coordinate the offerings in the field of child and youth policy.

1. The municipalities determine the extent to which contributions are provided, and space and infrastructure are made available.

2. Cantonal contributions are subsidiary. Provided that the conditions are met, the Canton shall grant contributions from the revenues of state funds.

3. Contributions can be subject to conditions, imposed unilaterally or contractually, or be linked to requirements or a performance agreement.

1. The canton and municipal communities support the specific needs of older individuals and ensure that the services are effectively coordinated and cooperation is promoted.

1. Municipalities may designate a contact point for issues related to aging.

2. They promote projects on aging, aging culture, and participation of the elderly by

a) providing contributions;

b) offering space and infrastructure;

c) establishing competence centers for older individuals.

1. The municipalities determine the extent to which contributions are provided, and space and infrastructure are made available.

2. Cantonal contributions are subsidiary. Provided that the conditions are met, the Canton shall grant contributions from the revenues of state funds.

3. Contributions can be subject to conditions, imposed unilaterally or contractually, or be linked to requirements or a performance agreement.

1. The Canton shall establish a Contact and Coordination Office for Equal Opportunities with the aim of preventing or eliminating disadvantages based on origin, race, gender, age, language, social status, lifestyle, religious, ideological or political beliefs, or due to physical, mental, or psychological disability, and to promote equal opportunities.

2. The Contact and Coordination Office for Equal Opportunities

a) informs the public;

b) advises authorities, public and private institutions, as well as other structures;

c) may promote and support projects.

1. The Canton establishes a Contact and Coordination Office for Religious Matters with the aim of

a) promoting the mutual exchange of information between religious communities and authorities;

b) promoting interreligious dialogue to improve mutual understanding between religious communities.

2. The Contact and Coordination Office for Religious Matters

a) informs the public;

b) advises authorities, public and private institutions, as well as private individuals;

c) may promote and support projects.

1. Integration promotion is primarily carried out within the existing structures.

a)* ...

b)* ...

1bis Specific integration promotion is limited to individuals for whom federal law provides for the demand of measures for their integration.

2. Integration requires from foreign nationals that they

a) acknowledge the fundamental values and the democratic constitutional order of Switzerland;

b) are ready and willing to integrate into Swiss society by, in particular, learning the German language, participating in the educational offerings and in the economic and working life, and engaging with the prevailing culture.

3. Integration requires from the Swiss population that they engage with other cultures and support the integration of foreign nationals.

1. Each municipality appoints a contact point for integration issues.

2. The municipalities promote integration by particularly

a) familiarizing foreign nationals with the German language and local living conditions;

b) supporting projects and services for social integration;

c) providing space and infrastructure;

d) encouraging the participation of the foreign population;

e) advising on municipal and regional structures;

f) informing the public about integration policies and the special situation of foreign nationals.

1. The Contact Point for Integration Issues informs all newly arrived foreign nationals from abroad about their rights and obligations, the living and working conditions in Switzerland, as well as the available offers for the promotion of integration.

1. The Contact Point for Integration Issues recommends individual integration measures to the summoned person if there is a need for them.

2. The Contact Point for Integration Issues

a) may document the goals, recommended measures, and deadlines for individual integration promotion in writing jointly with the summoned person;

b) accompanies the implementation of the recommended integration measures.

1. The contact point for integration issues and the social assistance authorities report individuals with integration deficits to the migration authority in accordance with the instructions of the department.

2. When assessing whether a particular integration deficit exists, particular consideration must be given to personal fault, the type and number of actions or omissions that constitute the integration deficit, as well as their impact on integration.

**1. Establishment of a Contact Point for Integration Issues**

If the contact point for integration issues determines, during initial information or by other means, that there might be a need for integration measures for foreign nationals or their minor children, it invites the individuals to an integration discussion and ensures, through appropriate measures, that the information conveyed during the discussion is correctly understood by them. The competencies of the social welfare authorities remain reserved.

**2. Obligation to Participate**

The summoned individuals are obliged to participate in the integration discussion.

**3. Recommendation for Certain Nationals**

For nationals of the member states of the European Community and the European Free Trade Association, as well as for foreign family members of Swiss citizens, the summons is considered a recommendation.

1. The Canton shall establish a Point of Contact and Coordination Office for Integration with the goal of implementing measures to promote integration and ensuring the exchange of information and experiences.

a)* ...

b)* ...

c)* ...

d)* ...

e)* ...

f)* ...

2. The Point of Contact and Coordination Office for Integration

a) advises and supports the contact points for integration matters regarding integration promotion;

b) supports language and integration courses for foreign nationals;

c) supports institutions and activities by and for foreign nationals.

1. In the integration of the foreign population, the cantonal authorities and the municipal authorities collaborate.

2. The migration authority reports the conclusion of an integration agreement pursuant to Article 58b AIG to the social region, provided that the person concerned is receiving social assistance.

1. The Promotion of Housing for Low-Income Households and Access to Home Ownership, Particularly in the Interest of Families, Single Parents, Persons with Disabilities, Needy Elderly Persons, and Individuals in Education, is Governed by the Provisions of the Federal Act on the Promotion of Affordable Housing.

1. When there are special regional or municipal interests, the municipalities may provide additional support to the employment services of the unemployment insurance and take further labor market measures that are not or only partially covered by the unemployment insurance.

2. For this purpose, the municipalities may

a) undertake the supplementary measures themselves;

b) grant subsidies to sponsors of employment services and labor market measures;

c) account for costs for employment services and costs and compensations from labor market measures, which affected persons cannot or can only partially pay, as social assistance benefits.

1. The Executive Council regulates the supervision of private employment agencies and personnel leasing companies operating within the canton. It designates the authority to which the application for approval must be submitted, as well as the office where a required bond is to be deposited.

1. Victim Assistance is aimed at providing support to individuals whose physical, psychological, or sexual integrity has been directly affected as victims of a crime.

2. Victim Assistance includes emergency aid, long-term support, compensation, and satisfaction, as well as the protection of the victim and the safeguarding of their rights in criminal proceedings.

3. The measures and services of Victim Assistance, as well as the jurisdiction of the canton, are governed by the Federal Act on Assistance to Victims of Crime (Victim Assistance Act; OHG).

1. The canton shall ensure the provision of one or more independent public or private counseling centers.

2. The counseling center chosen by the victim is obligated to provide guidance and assistance and remains responsible until another center assumes the counseling services.

3. Counseling centers shall, upon request, inform other recognized counseling centers whether a person is under their care. The duty of confidentiality and the obligation to provide information are governed by the Federal Act on Assistance to Crime Victims.

**1. Immediate Assistance**

Immediate assistance is provided free of charge and on a temporary basis immediately after the offense or in cases of acute emerging late consequences. It includes initial counseling, emergency accommodation, referral to specialized services, and financial assistance.

**2. Long-Term Assistance**

Long-term assistance is provided subsidiarily and on a needs-based basis for as long as it is necessary. It includes counseling, assessments, and treatments, specifically encompassing medical, therapeutic, social, and legal support.

1. If the perpetrator is unable to provide compensation and satisfaction, the department shall determine the amounts or advances and disburse them.

2. An advance compensation payment shall be credited against the final compensation.

1. If the canton provides compensation or satisfaction, the department asserts the canton's claims against the perpetrator.

2. The canton shall forgo asserting its claims against the perpetrator ex officio if it is credibly demonstrated that such forgoing is necessary for their reintegration.

1. Protection and Rights of the Victim in Criminal Proceedings are governed by federal legislation and the Swiss Code of Criminal Procedure (StPO) of October 5, 2007.

1. Municipalities and Canton

a) promote a lifestyle with minimal addiction that also enables sensible and reasonable handling of addictive substances;

b) establish addiction support that prevents dependencies and curbs addictive influences;

c) ensure that the individual, social, and health impacts of substance abuse are reduced.

1. The municipalities shall ensure that

a) outpatient addiction assistance is provided with

1. counseling and support services for individuals at risk of addiction,

2. accompanying measures, particularly low-threshold services that reduce the harm and risks of addiction;

b) partial inpatient and inpatient addiction assistance is offered, which treats and provides therapy for individuals suffering from addiction.

1. The canton shall establish a referral and coordination center for addiction assistance with the objective of

a) advising municipalities, public, and private institutions;

b) supporting institutions and activities related to addiction assistance;

c) professionally accompanying and supporting addiction assistance projects.

2. Persons dependent on addictive substances may be involuntarily hospitalized or committed to a suitable institution in accordance with the provisions on custodial placement.

1. The Municipalities

a) grant subsidies to counseling institutions, outpatient services, and projects that offer recognized addiction assistance within the framework of social planning and have a permit from the Department;

b) charge costs for inpatient stays, which affected individuals cannot or can only partially pay, as a social assistance benefit.

1. The canton and municipalities ensure that disadvantages experienced by persons with disabilities are eliminated or reduced. In their areas of responsibility, they implement measures based on the Federal Disability Equality Act to reduce or eliminate disadvantages faced by persons with disabilities.

2. The canton and municipalities enable adult persons with disabilities to receive services that are tailored to their specific situation in private and public institutions and homes.

1. The Compulsory Education Act regulates the measures for the education and residential schooling arrangements due to disabilities for children and adolescents with disabilities, as well as the early detection of preschool-aged children.

**1. The canton ensures persons with disabilities, in addition to the benefits reserved under § 9, the visitation and stay in sheltered workshops, residential homes, and day centers with care allowances.**

2. The care allowances for persons with disabilities are not social welfare benefits.

3. Persons with disabilities are considered to be those whose disability, according to the federal disability insurance legislation, establishes an entitlement to benefits, as well as those of retirement age under the AHV, who at the time of entering a care facility held an entitlement to a disability insurance pension.

1. The canton may recognize alternative forms of housing for people with disabilities based on §§ 21 and 22, and grant care allowances according to § 141, if this can prevent admission to a residential home or enable departure from a residential home.

1. The canton may support advisory services of cantonal significance by

a) providing project contributions;

b) subsidizing services;

c) providing space and infrastructure.

1. The municipalities shall ensure that

a) Outpatient and semi-stationary services are provided, with the aim to

1. support and promote the independent living of elderly, disabled, as well as sick and convalescent individuals in their usual environment,

2. support family and neighborly assistance,

3. complement and relieve care in nursing homes, shared living arrangements, and other long-term care institutions;

b) Homes for individuals in need of care are operated, with the aim of enabling residents to lead a normal and active life appropriate to their personalities and health conditions.

**1. Basic Services Include the Following Core Services**

a) Basic care and treatment care;

b) Household assistance.

**2. Supplementary Services May Include:**

a) Meal service;

b) Transportation service;

c) Accompaniment and support service;

d) Relief and intermediary service;

e) Other service and material benefits.

**3. Eligibility for Core Services**

A person is entitled to core services if they are limited in their self-help or autonomy, or if medical treatment is necessary.

1. The municipalities ensure that persons aged 65 and over residing in the Canton of Solothurn, who are limited in their self-help or autonomy and do not live permanently or temporarily in a home or hospital or work in a sheltered workshop, have access to a daycare center in the Canton of Solothurn.

2. Daycare centers are considered to be day or night structures that offer services exclusively during the day or exclusively during the night.

3. Daycare centers with night structures may only be operated by nursing homes that can provide an operating permit in accordance with § 22 in conjunction with § 144.

1. Daycare facilities in the Canton of Solothurn receive a care contribution per day or night when their services are effectively utilized by persons as per § 143bis paragraph 1. Only one contribution can be charged per approved day or night place within a 24-hour period.

2. No care contributions are granted to daycare facilities without an operational permit.

3. The government council sets the care contribution after consulting the municipal residents and scales it according to the following categories of persons

a) Persons without special peculiarities;

b) Persons with psychological impairments;

c) Persons with dementia.

4. In determining the amount and grading, it is guided by the care cost contributions reimbursed to service providers by health insurers.

5. The allocation to a category of persons is carried out by the daycare facility. Allocation to the categories according to paragraph 3 letters b and c requires a medical certificate.

6. The care contributions are borne by the municipal residents. They are not considered social assistance benefits.

7. The department issues regulations for billing, allocation to the categories of persons, reviews these, and disburses the care contributions. It may request the medical certificates according to paragraph 5 for verification purposes.

8. The entirety of the municipal residents provides the canton with a cost-covering reimbursement for the execution expenses through a fiscal equalization.

1. The municipalities ensure that individuals in need of care, in addition to the reserved benefits under § 9, receive care allowances for visiting and staying in nursing homes.

2. Care allowances for individuals in nursing homes are social welfare benefits.

3. Nursing homes are defined as institutions for the permanent residence of individuals in need of care, whose care and support are not co-financed by the disability insurance or the canton pursuant to § 141.

1. The chargeable costs of home care consist of

a)* Costs of non-nursing services (public service obligations of service providers, care costs, services according to § 143 para. 1 lit. b and para. 2 lit. a-e as well as education and training costs according to § 22bis);

b) Nursing care costs.

2. The nursing care costs consist of

a)* Contributions from health insurers ranging from 40-60%;

b)* Patient contribution of the insured person up to a maximum of 20% pursuant to Article 25a paragraph 5 KVG;

c)* Nursing care cost contributions as residual financing from the municipalities at the civil law residence of the insured person.

3. The patient contribution for children and adolescents up to the age of 18 is borne by the municipality at the civil law residence of the insured person.

4. Home care is financed according to the principles of § 51 to § 53. The municipalities negotiate with the service providers of their choice to arrange the offer according to § 143 and agree on a tariff schedule for the agreed service catalog within the framework of the applicable maximum rates. If they provide the offer themselves, they issue a tariff schedule for the applicable service catalog.

5. The contributions of municipalities to outpatient service providers with a basic care mandate are calculated per service according to the formula "agreed tariff minus health insurance contribution and average patient participation." This also includes the nursing care cost contributions according to Article 25a KVG.

6. The nursing care cost contributions to outpatient service providers without a basic care mandate are calculated analogously to paragraph 5 with a reduction on the invoice amount by a maximum of 40%.

7. If an outpatient service provider provides care services for a person during a stay outside of their civil law residence, the municipality is required to provide the nursing care cost contribution that would be assumed by the public authorities for the outpatient service provider at the place of stay.

1. The Government Council establishes the respective shares of patient contributions, nursing care costs, and care costs in inpatient care.

2. The Government Council sets maximum rates for basic care services, patient contributions, the surcharge for mandatory training, and travel costs as well as the percentage of the reduction in accordance with § 144bis paragraph 6 for home care.

3. The Government Council consults with the residential communities and the industry organizations of nursing homes and outpatient service providers before making decisions.

4. Outpatient service providers and nursing homes must disclose the cost accounting and relevant details to the Department upon request for the purpose of determining the funding shares.

5. The Department issues regulations regarding the issuance of care cost certificates and invoicing.

1. Mobile service providers and care homes submit a monthly invoice to the Department by the end of the following month for the services rendered. They must disclose which services have been provided to which individuals.

2. The Department reviews the invoices and disburses the contributions on behalf of the responsible local municipality.

3. If a mobile service provider organizes a stay with care outside of a person's civil residence, this must be reported immediately to the local municipality and the Department. The local municipality may limit holiday stays to 6 weeks per calendar year.

4. The Government Council shall regulate by ordinance which data mobile service providers and care homes must disclose in the invoices and which data mobile service providers must disclose in notices regarding stays with care outside the civil residence.

5. The local municipalities reimburse the canton for the enforcement costs in the mobile care sector based on the number of people receiving mobile care services, and in the stationary care sector based on the population size.

1. The chargeable costs of inpatient nursing home care are comprised of

a) Hotel costs (accommodation and meals, a flat rate for investment costs, a flat rate for education);

b) Care costs;

c) Nursing costs (health insurance contribution, patient participation, nursing cost contribution from the local municipalities).

2. The nursing costs are comprised of

a) Contributions from the health insurance ranging from 40-60%;

b) Patient participation by the insured person of a maximum of 20% according to Article 25a para. 5 KVG;

c) Nursing cost contributions as the remaining financing of the local municipalities at the civil residence of the insured person.

3. If out-of-canton service providers provide nursing services for insured persons residing in the Canton of Solothurn, for the financing, at most the cost rates applicable to service providers in the Canton of Solothurn will be applied.

1. The municipal communities ensure a dignified burial.

1. The Municipalities

a) provide suitable burial facilities;

b) allow for different types of burial;

c) generally ensure a minimum grave rest of 20 years;

d) issue a burial and cemetery regulation;

2. Burials may only take place once

a) a physician has certified the death;

b) at least 48 hours have passed since the demise.

2bis A dignified burial is also ensured for stillbirths and miscarriages.

3. An exhumation of earth-buried persons must be approved by a municipal authority.

1. The municipalities promote a responsible approach to money among the population.

1. They support appropriate offerings for debt prevention.

2. They ensure access to a specialized office or organization that advises and accompanies residents on questions regarding budgeting and debts, as well as debt restructuring.

1. Municipalities provide social assistance to individuals experiencing social hardship; they are obligated to provide effective assistance.

2. Social assistance aims to ensure subsistence, promotes economic and personal independence, and supports occupational and social integration.

3. This is subject to the restrictive provisions of this law regarding asylum seekers and persons seeking protection without a residence permit, provisionally admitted persons, as well as persons with a legally binding non-entry decision.

1. Social assistance is granted based on an individual target agreement (assistance plan) and appropriately considers personal circumstances.

2. Social assistance requires the active cooperation of the person seeking help and is based on the principle of reciprocity. It may be subject to conditions and requirements, in particular

a) actively seeking employment and accepting reasonable work;

b) participating in language, training, and further education courses;

c) engaging in family and volunteer work;

d) visiting counseling centers and undergoing necessary treatments;

e)* using the financial aid for a specific purpose;

f)* undergoing medical or dental examinations, whereby the local municipality may designate an appropriate healthcare professional and the examination serves the following purposes

1. Clarification of the capability of the person seeking help to fulfill a specific requirement,

2. Evaluation of the significance and benefit of disease- and disability-related expenses that are not provided within the framework of basic medical care.

3. Own contributions and counter-performances are to be appropriately considered in the assessment of financial benefits.

1. Preventive and personal assistance are provided free of charge to individuals seeking help; this also includes integration services such as qualification programs, integration assistance into the labor market, and employment programs.

1. Benefits in kind are offered in accordance with the provisions of the assistance plan.

2. Cash benefits cover the basic needs for living expenses and enable the person seeking assistance to participate in social life. Reductions or cessations of the benefit remain reserved.

3. Cash benefits may not be garnished, assigned, offset against counterclaims of the municipality, or used for the payment of debts. Reserved is § 164 paragraph 2ter letter b.

1. Measures for the protection of children and adults, as well as care measures and residential placements for individuals with behavioral issues without a right to disability insurance, are considered social assistance services, subject to special legislation, regardless of whether they are financed by the canton or the municipalities.

2. The costs for the execution of sentences and criminal measures are borne by the canton.

1. The assessment of social assistance benefits is generally governed by the guidelines of the Swiss Conference for Social Welfare (SKOS Guidelines).

2. The Executive Council may establish exceptions to the general applicability of the SKOS Guidelines.

1. Monetary benefits shall be conditional upon the transfer of proprietary claims by the person seeking assistance, insofar as they do not automatically transfer by operation of law, or insofar as realizable assets cannot be secured by mortgage or other means.

2. ...

1. The municipal authority examines the existence of claims arising from the parental maintenance obligation and enforces them by reaching an agreement with obligated persons on the nature and scope of the performance, or by taking the necessary civil procedural measures.

2. If the canton covers the costs of child protection measures, the specialized agency, tasked in accordance with § 110ter, assumes the responsibility as outlined in paragraph 1.

3. The canton examines claims arising from the relatives' support obligation and enforces them by reaching an agreement with obligated persons or by taking the necessary civil procedural measures.

1. The Canton accepts asylum seekers and persons in need of protection assigned by the Confederation into regional asylum centers, and acquaints them with the basic principles of our language, legal system, and way of life.

2. The municipalities accept asylum seekers and persons in need of protection assigned by the Canton from the asylum centers. The Canton ensures an equitable distribution relative to the population figures.

3. The municipalities care for and support asylum seekers and persons in need of protection, insofar as they cannot independently sustain themselves.

1. Social assistance for asylum seekers and persons seeking protection without a residence permit, as well as for temporarily admitted persons, is governed by the provisions of federal law within the framework of the contributions granted by the Confederation. The government council issues guidelines regarding the benefits.

2. The canton reimburses the expenditures of the municipalities and grants them a lump-sum contribution towards administrative costs.

1. Social assistance for persons seeking protection with a residence permit and for refugees is granted according to the provisions on social assistance.

1. Persons with illegal residence, including those with a final non-admission decision, are only supported in emergencies within the framework of emergency assistance.

2. The emergency must be credibly demonstrated.

1. Legal protection is governed by the Law on Judicial Organization and the Administrative Procedure Act, unless federal law is applicable or this law provides otherwise.

2. Appeals against first-instance orders of the authorities of the municipal communities and the social regions can be filed with the department within ten days.

3. Appeals against orders of the department and decisions of the administrative board of the compensation fund can be made to the administrative court.

4. Appeals against first-instance orders from third parties, to whom decision-making authority has been delegated, can be filed with the department within ten days.

1. Appeals against decisions of social security authorities, issued pursuant to federal social security law and the ELG, may be lodged according to the provisions of the Federal Act on the General Part of the Social Security Law (ATSG) and the federal special legislation; procedural and interim decisions are excluded from this.

2. The provisions of the ATSG apply mutatis mutandis to decisions of social security authorities concerning child allowances under cantonal law, decisions on supplementary benefits for families with low incomes, and premium reductions under the KVG.

3. Appeals against objection decisions and procedural instructions of social security authorities may be lodged with the insurance court.

1. The Cantonal Council appoints arbitration courts for disputes pursuant to Article 26 of the IVG, Article 89 of the KVG, Article 57 of the UVG, and Article 27 of the MVG. It designates a common chairman and a common secretariat for all arbitration courts. It determines the procedure and the organization.

1. Illegally obtained monetary benefits, especially due to a violation of information and reporting obligations, are to be refunded.

2. Monetary benefits that are used for purposes other than those specified by the conditions and requirements, and after a warning, are to be refunded.

2bis. Persons who have unjustifiably received monetary benefits are obliged to refund the amount they have enriched themselves with. Articles 62 paragraph 2 and Articles 63-66 of the Code of Obligations apply mutatis mutandis.

2ter. Illegally obtained monetary benefits from social assistance and illegally obtained supplementary benefits for low-income families according to paragraphs 1 and 2

a) are to incur interest from the time of receipt based on the rates of the cantonal tax legislation, whereas the obligation to pay interest on supplementary benefits for low-income families only applies in particularly severe cases, and

b) can be offset against ongoing support for a limited time, whereby

1. In the case of monetary benefits from social assistance, the offset amount must not exceed 30 percent of the basic needs,

2. In the case of supplementary benefits for low-income families, the offset amount must not exceed 20 percent of the general living expenses according to Article 10 paragraph 1 letter a ELG.

2quater. The canton periodically clarifies the prerequisites for a refund. If the prerequisites are met, the following options exist

a) Conclusion of an agreement on the refund and its modalities;

b) Issuance of a refund decision.

2quinquies. In the area of municipally supported social assistance, the municipalities are responsible for the periodic examination of the prerequisites for refunds and for conducting the refund procedure. The approach is governed by paragraph 2quater.

3. The refund of minimal contributions can be excluded.

4. In cases of hardship, a full or partial waiver of the refund can be made.

5. Forfeiture will be determined mutatis mutandis according to § 15.

1. A service or social benefit can be temporarily refused, reduced, or, in severe cases, terminated if the obligations under § 17 are inexcusably disregarded. The affected person must be informed in writing of the legal consequences beforehand.

1. A permit may be revoked without compensation if the specified conditions and requirements are disregarded.

1. Individuals who apply for social benefits shall neither be actively nor passively induced to leave the municipality nor be prevented from moving to another municipality.

2. If a municipality violates this prohibition, it shall bear the costs for no more than five years.

1. If the municipal communities do not fulfill their social duties, or do so inadequately, the Executive Council shall ensure that the task is fulfilled.

2. For this purpose, the Executive Council may establish binding framework conditions and quality standards, commission third parties, and assign private or public institutions at the expense of the municipal communities.

3. If a municipal community refuses to provide the necessary individual emergency, crisis, immediate aid, or general assistance in a timely manner, the department shall ensure the required assistance at the expense of the municipal community.

1. If an enterprise obligated by § 22bis to provide vocational training and continuing education does not fulfill the established training and education performance, it must make a compensatory payment to the earmarked compensation fund for the bonus-malus balance, administered by the department or the authority designated by § 22ter for the enforcement of the training and education obligation.

1bis. The amount of the compensatory payment shall not exceed 300% of the average costs of the unprovided training or education. The government council may provide in a regulation that the obligation to make a compensatory payment is waived if the difference between the established and provided training and education performance does not exceed a tolerance value of at most 10%.

2. ...

3. If an enterprise exceeds the established training and education performance as per paragraph 1, it will receive a contribution from the compensation fund.

4. Surpluses in the compensation fund can be used for financing measures and projects in favor of non-university health professions in the Canton of Solothurn.

1. If, five years after the enactment of this law, municipalities have not yet carried out the assigned tasks related to social assistance, inter-institutional cooperation, or child and adult protection within a social region, the government council shall establish the social region or assign municipalities to an existing social region.

1. A fine of up to 10,000 Swiss Francs shall be imposed on anyone who

a) through false or incomplete information or in another way, obtains a benefit for themselves or another based on this law, to which they are not entitled;

b) evades their contribution obligation in whole or in part through false or incomplete information or in another way;

c) as an employer, deducts contributions from an employee's salary but misappropriates them for purposes other than the prescribed ones;

d) violates the obligation of confidentiality or abuses their position as an official or functionary to the detriment of others or for their own advantage during the implementation of this law;

e) as an auditor or audit assistant, grossly violates the duties incumbent upon them during the conduct of an audit or control, or in the preparation or submission of the audit or control report;

f) violates the obligation to provide information by knowingly giving false information or refusing to provide information;

g) resists a control ordered by the competent authority or otherwise prevents it;

h) intentionally does not complete the required forms or does not complete them truthfully.

1. The penal provisions of federal law remain reserved, particularly the crimes or misdemeanors of the Criminal Code threatened with a higher penalty and the provisions of federal social insurance law.

1. ...

1. Sections 22bis paragraph 1 sentence 2 and 22quater apply until the expiration of the EU Nursing Training Support Act.

1. The Government Council regulates the enforcement in a Social Ordinance. It particularly issues the implementation and enforcement provisions concerning the federal regulations on social security pursuant to § 2 paragraph 1.

1. The amendments have been incorporated into the respective decrees.

1. The amendments were incorporated into the relevant decree.

1. All provisions conflicting with this law are repealed, in particular

a) the Law on the Reform of Duties "Social Security" Canton and Municipalities;

b) the Ordinance on the Federal Law on Health Insurance;

c) the Introductory Law to the Federal Laws on Old Age and Survivors' Insurance and on Disability Insurance (EG AHV/IV - SO);

d) the Law on Supplemental Benefits to Old Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance;

e) the Ordinance for the Implementation of the Victim Assistance Act;

f) the Child Allowance Act;

g) the Public Social Assistance Act;

h) the Elderly and Nursing Home Act;

i) the Law on Advances for Child Support (Child Support Advance Act);

j) the Addiction Assistance Act;

k) the Law on Infant Welfare, Family Welfare, and Pregnancy Counseling;

l) the Introductory Law to the Federal Law on Mandatory Unemployment Insurance and Insolvency Compensation as well as to the Federal Law on Employment Services and Personnel Leasing (EG AVIG/AVG).

2. The provisions of the Law on Special Education Institutions (HIG) are repealed, with the exception of the provisions on early detection, special schooling, and disability-related boarding stays for children and youth.

1. The law shall enter into force on a date determined by the Executive Council and after the relevant provisions have been approved by the Federal Council.

1. Employers previously exempt from the cantonal family allowance regulations must join a family compensation fund with effect from the entry into force of the amendments of August 27, 2008.

2. The entry must be reported in writing to the Department of Economic Affairs by March 31 following the entry into force of the amendments of August 27, 2008.

3. Employers who let the deadline under paragraph 2 pass unused shall be affiliated to the competent family compensation fund by the Department of Economic Affairs. The entry or affiliation shall take effect retroactively from the day this Act enters into force.

1. Municipalities and outpatient service providers must transition to the subject-specific financing anchored in § 144 et seq. within three years after the enactment of the legal provisions.

2. During the transitional period, the government council shall issue only a non-binding recommendation regarding the maximum rates for basic care services. However, this recommendation is binding for the calculation of care cost contributions to outpatient service providers without a basic care mandate, considering a 40% reduction according to § 144bis paragraph 6, for as long as no municipality has yet transitioned to subject-specific financing.

1. Municipalities must establish the necessary prevention and counseling services within two years of the enactment of Articles 146bis and 146ter.

**1. The Municipalities Are Required to Ensure Early Language Promotion Within Two Years from the Entry into Force of the Amendments of November 8, 2023.**