This bill addresses human services by prohibiting subminimum wages for individuals with disabilities and includes provisions for enhancing the MnCHOICES system. It amends Minnesota Statutes to introduce a new subdivision under section 177.24, which states that starting August 1, 2025, employers cannot hire new employees with disabilities at wages below the highest applicable minimum wage, regardless of any special certificates they may hold. Furthermore, by August 1, 2027, all employers must pay employees with disabilities at least the highest applicable minimum wage. The bill also amends section 252.44 to ensure that day service programs comply with these wage requirements.

Additionally, the bill amends section 256B.4906 to include a prohibition on subminimum wages for home and community-based service providers, effective August 1, 2027. It mandates that these providers cannot pay individuals with disabilities less than the state or local minimum wage, rendering any special certificates that allow for such payments ineffective. The bill also appropriates funds for MnCHOICES system enhancements, allocating $38,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $75,000 for fiscal year 2027 to integrate employment-related materials into the MnCHOICES application.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 177.24, 252.44, 256B.4906