SF 985

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 02/18/2025 08:54 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to human services; establishing a disability inclusion pilot project;
appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; DISABILITY INCLUSION PILOT PROJECT.
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new text begin (a) $4,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated from the general fund to the
commissioner of human services for a payment to Lifeworks Services, Inc., for a statewide
disability inclusion pilot project. The pilot project must:
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new text begin (1) persuade employers to diversify their workforces by hiring people with disabilities;
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new text begin (2) educate businesses on the economic benefits of inclusive employment and provide
coaching on affordable accommodations;
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new text begin (3) educate Minnesotans with disabilities and their families on navigating services and
achieving inclusion in both work and community settings;
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new text begin (4) build capacity and support for culturally specific services by rural, Black, Indigenous,
or People of Color entrepreneurs;
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new text begin (5) pilot community-requested support services;
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new text begin (6) invest in safe community-focused spaces to host trainings and requested support
services; and
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new text begin (7) launch a statewide disability inclusion assessment for businesses and community
spaces to improve accessibility and inclusion.
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new text begin (b) The pilot project must reach all six Minnesota planning areas to ensure equal access
to the pilot project activities in rural and Tribal regions. This is a onetime appropriation.
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