SF 3003

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 02/21/2020 03:43pm

A bill for an act
relating to human services; providing vocational services for individuals with
disabilities; requiring reports.

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

Section 1. new text begin DIRECTION TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF HUMAN SERVICES,
EDUCATION, AND EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; PLANS
TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Plan for supported employment of transition-age youth and
individuals with significant support needs. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioners of human services,
education, and employment and economic development, in consultation with local education
agencies, shall develop and implement a plan to assist transition-age youth with disabilities
between the ages of 14 and 24 to maximize opportunities to achieve competitive integrated
employment, including through the use of customized employment strategies through
services provided by vocational rehabilitation services and by local education agencies and
funded under Title I and Title VI, Part B of the Rehabilitation Act.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioners shall jointly develop a coordinated plan to expand employment
options for individuals with significant disabilities, including mental illness, for whom
competitive employment has not traditionally occurred or for whom competitive employment
has been interrupted or intermittent as a result of the individual's disability, but who have:
new text end

new text begin (1) the ability to or potential to engage in a training or postsecondary program leading
to employment with or without supports; and
new text end

new text begin (2) a demonstrated need for intensive ongoing support services or extended services in
order to perform competitive integrated work.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Plan for expansion of competitive integrated employment. new text end

new text begin (a) In consultation
with stakeholders, including disability advocacy organizations, employment service providers,
private businesses, individuals with disabilities, and other interested parties, the
commissioners shall develop a plan to prioritize and create incentives for competitive
integrated employment of individuals with disabilities at minimum wage or higher, including
through the use of customized employment strategies and to reduce dependence on more
costly, less integrated service models.
new text end

new text begin (b) The plan must include recommendations to:
new text end

new text begin (1) restructure and rebalance funding of employment services for people with disabilities
to incentivize and expand employment in inclusive settings at minimum wage or higher;
new text end

new text begin (2) build capacity for increased demand on competitive integrated employment services
and supports, including customized employment;
new text end

new text begin (3) ensure equitable access to competitive integrated employment and employment
services for individuals with disabilities who experience unique barriers, including but not
limited to:
new text end

new text begin (i) people of color and American Indians;
new text end

new text begin (ii) residents of Greater Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (iii) individuals with disabilities and mental illness who are not eligible for Medicaid
waivers; and
new text end

new text begin (iv) other populations as identified by the commissioner and stakeholders;
new text end

new text begin (4) create partnership initiatives and establish hiring incentives for private businesses
to employ individuals with disabilities and to help address labor shortages across industry
segments;
new text end

new text begin (5) educate employers about accommodations in the workplace and supports available
in implementing these accommodations;
new text end

new text begin (6) support small businesses owned and operated by individuals with disabilities;
new text end

new text begin (7) expand microgrants to support the employment of individuals with disabilities at
minimum wage or higher;
new text end

new text begin (8) provide training and technical assistance for disability service providers transitioning
to support competitive integrated employment; and
new text end

new text begin (9) develop best practice standards in day services for individuals with disabilities who
do not choose paid employment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Reports. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioners shall submit reports outlining the plans
described in subdivisions 1 and 2 to the chairs and ranking minority members of legislative
committees with jurisdiction over employment services for individuals with disabilities.
Reports must include legislative recommendations for implementation of each plan. Reports
must also include data regarding individuals with disabilities, including:
new text end

new text begin (1) the number of individuals who have indicated a preference for competitive integrated
employment during career counseling information and referrals or MN CHOICES
assessments;
new text end

new text begin (2) the age of such individuals;
new text end

new text begin (3) the county of residence of such individuals;
new text end

new text begin (4) the type of home and community-based services or vocational rehabilitation services
accessed by such individuals;
new text end

new text begin (5) the number of such individuals who have secured customized competitive integrated
employment;
new text end

new text begin (6) the duration of such individuals' employment in an integrated setting;
new text end

new text begin (7) the number of hours such individuals are working in that setting on a weekly basis;
new text end

new text begin (8) the employer of record for such individuals;
new text end

new text begin (9) the hourly wage of such individuals;
new text end

new text begin (10) the average earnings prior to moving into competitive integrated employment;
new text end

new text begin (11) the ability or inability of service providers to meet the individual's demand for
competitive integrated employment supports statewide, including through the use of
customized employment; and
new text end

new text begin (12) data from states that have phased out the use of 14c certificates and a subminimum
wage.
new text end

new text begin (b) Reports shall be submitted by December 14, 2020.
new text end