This bill mandates that the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the Department of Human Services conduct a thorough, case-by-case assessment of employment opportunities provided by community rehabilitation programs and community businesses. This includes various employment settings such as work crews, call centers, and positions under the Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act and AbilityOne contracts. The purpose of these assessments is to ensure that the employment opportunities align with the criteria for competitive integrated employment as defined by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Additionally, the bill explicitly prohibits the division and the commission from disqualifying work programs from being classified as competitive integrated employment solely based on their association with AbilityOne contracts or the Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act. This legislative action aims to enhance employment options for New Jersey residents with disabilities, ensuring they have the same opportunities for meaningful work and integration into the community as their non-disabled peers. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.