This bill seeks to improve employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities by prohibiting the payment of subminimum wages and enhancing case management responsibilities. Starting August 1, 2023, employers will be prohibited from hiring new employees with disabilities at wages below the highest applicable minimum wage, with this prohibition extending to all employees with disabilities by August 1, 2025. The bill also establishes a statewide disability employment technical assistance center to support individuals in achieving competitive employment and mandates lead agency boards to ensure compliance with these wage standards. Additionally, it modifies case management responsibilities, requiring case managers to undergo training focused on employment support planning and to document their training efforts.

Moreover, the bill includes provisions to eliminate special certificates that allowed for subminimum wage payments by August 1, 2025, and amends the Minnesota supplemental aid program to ensure continued benefits for individuals transitioning under section 1619(b) of the Social Security Act. It mandates an interagency study to evaluate employment supports for individuals with disabilities and requires the development of a plan for tracking employment outcomes by January 15, 2025. To support these initiatives, the bill allocates funds for grants aimed at enhancing employment opportunities and training, including $450,000 for employment technical assistance grants and $500,000 for capacity-building grants for organizations and counties.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 177.24, 252.44, 256B.092, 256B.49, 256B.4905, 256D.425, 268.19