SF 2706

1st Engrossment - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to vocational rehabilitation; extending a pilot project; amending Laws
2004, chapter 188, section 1, as amended.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Laws 2004, chapter 188, section 1, as amended by Laws 2005, chapter
134, section 3, is amended to read:

Section 1. PILOT PROJECT.

The commissioner of employment and economic development shall conduct an
extended employment pilot project to study an industrial model for employment for
individuals with severe disabilities in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

Employment is to be provided by Custom Products, a division of Occupational
Development Center. During the pilot, employment outcomes for individuals with severe
disabilities will be assumed to be community employment as defined under Minnesota
Rules, part 3300.2005. The pilot project will begin July 1, 2004, and end June 30, deleted text begin 2006 deleted text end new text begin
2007 new text end . Evaluation of the pilot project must be completed by October 1, 2006, by the
commissioner.

The pilot project must maintain a minimum ratio of 60 percent of nondisabled
persons, must pay minimum wages or better to all employees with severe disabilities, and
must provide them a level of benefits equal to those provided to nondisabled employees.
All work teams must be integrated.

The pilot project must provide the extended employment program with useful
information to clarify the distinction between center-based and community employment
subprograms. The commissioner shall consider the findings of the pilot project in adopting
rules.