1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to vocational rehabilitation; extending a pilot project;amending Laws 
1.3 	2004, chapter 188, section 1, as amended.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Laws 2004, chapter 188, section 1,  as amended by Laws 2005, chapter 
1.6 	134, section 3, is amended to read:
1.7 	Section 1.  PILOT PROJECT.
1.8 	The commissioner of employment and economic development  shall conduct an 
1.9 	extended employment pilot project to study an  industrial model for employment for 
1.10 	individuals with severe  disabilities in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.  
1.11 	Employment is to be provided by Custom Products, a division  of Occupational 
1.12 	Development Center.  During the pilot,  employment outcomes for individuals with severe 
1.13 	disabilities  will be assumed to be community employment as defined under  Minnesota 
1.14 	Rules, part 3300.2005.  The pilot project will begin  July 1, 2004, and end June 30,  2006
1.15 	2007.  Evaluation of the  pilot project must be completed by October 1,  2006, by the  
1.16 	commissioner.  
1.17 	The pilot project must maintain a minimum ratio of 60  percent of nondisabled 
1.18 	persons, must pay minimum wages or better  to all employees with severe disabilities, and 
1.19 	must provide them  a level of benefits equal to those provided to nondisabled  employees.  
1.20 	All work teams must be integrated.  
1.21 	The pilot project must provide the extended employment  program with useful 
1.22 	information to clarify the distinction  between center-based and community employment 
1.23 	subprograms.  The  commissioner shall consider the findings of the pilot project in  adopting 
1.24 	rules.