Substitute House Bill No. 7107 establishes a task force dedicated to studying the expansion of governmental employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. This task force will analyze best practices from across the nation and assess the costs and benefits of implementing such programs in the state. It will include appointed members such as experts in disability employment, advocacy organization representatives, and state officials, with initial appointments required within thirty days of the bill's passage. The task force is tasked with submitting a report of findings and recommendations by January 1, 2027, after which it will dissolve.

The bill also amends existing statutes related to the Connecticut Achieving A Better Life Experience (ABLE) Trust, which assists individuals with disabilities in managing their finances. Key updates include the replacement of the term "federal ABLE Act" with "Section 529A" of the Internal Revenue Code, the introduction of a new definition for "authorized individual," and the removal of outdated definitions regarding disability certification and eligibility. The bill clarifies that contributions to ABLE accounts can be made by authorized individuals, mandates annual reporting by the State Treasurer, and protects the assets in individual ABLE accounts from being counted as resources for state-administered public assistance programs. Additionally, it establishes a new driver training unit within the Department of Motor Vehicles to support individuals with disabilities in obtaining driving skills and licenses.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HS Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 469:
Public Act No. 25-148: 3-39j, 3-39k, 3-39l, 3-39p, 3-39q, 3-39r, 14-11b