Senate Bill 312 (sSB312 File No. 255) primarily focuses on enhancing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those with disadvantages through janitorial and service contracts. The bill amends Section 4a-82 of the general statutes, introducing new definitions and procedures for awarding such contracts. It requires the Commissioner of Administrative Services to establish and expand a janitorial work program, potentially including other services. The bill specifies that contracts should be awarded to qualified partnerships based on fair market value, lowest responsible bid, or most advantageous proposal, and it prohibits awarding contracts at sites with existing collective bargaining agreements or contracts unless a qualified partnership is already in place. The bill also changes the designation of "qualified partnership" from the "Connecticut Community Providers Association" to the "CT Community Nonprofit Alliance" and modifies the criteria for this designation, including employment quotas for persons with disabilities and those with disadvantages, while ensuring standard wage payment. An appeal process is established for partnerships denied the qualified partnership designation.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that contractors fill at least one-third of the jobs with persons with disabilities and one-third with persons with a disadvantage within six months of contract commencement. The CT Community Nonprofit Alliance is tasked with developing an application process and maintaining a list of certified employees who are persons with disabilities. The bill allows small or minority businesses within the Department of Administrative Services' supplier diversity program to participate in the program with certain criteria waived. It also calls for a study on the program's effectiveness and explores incentives for municipalities and businesses to utilize the program. The bill repeals and substitutes Section 17a-796 of the general statutes, giving preference to products and services provided by persons with disabilities through community rehabilitation programs, with certain exceptions. Additionally, the bill establishes a State-wide Primary Care Access Authority and updates the appointing entities to include the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance. The bill has no fiscal impact and is effective upon passage, having received a Joint Favorable report from the Human Services Committee.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HS Joint Favorable:
File No. 255: