Substitute House Bill No. 7107 aims to create a janitorial work program specifically for individuals with disabilities and those facing disadvantages, establishing full-time job opportunities at standard wage rates. The bill introduces new definitions such as "vocational rehabilitation service," "community rehabilitation program," and "contractual services," which extend beyond janitorial work to include services like laundry and data entry. It outlines the procedures for awarding janitorial contracts, emphasizing the need for partnerships that hire a minimum of one-third of individuals with disabilities and one-third of those with disadvantages. The bill also repeals the existing definition of "qualified partnership" and replaces it with updated criteria requiring commercial contractors to enter binding agreements with community rehabilitation programs.

Additionally, the bill allows contractors denied designation as qualified partnerships to appeal to the Commissioner of Administrative Services. It mandates that at least one-third of jobs from successful bids be filled by individuals with disabilities and another one-third by those with disadvantages, ensuring their integration into the workforce within six months of contract commencement. The CT Community Providers Association is renamed to the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance, which will oversee the certification of employees and partnerships. The bill also establishes a task force to study the expansion of governmental employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, with findings due by January 1, 2026. Overall, the bill emphasizes enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Connecticut while ensuring compliance with specific employment and wage criteria for participating businesses.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HS Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 469: