Bill > H198

This bill, titled "To promote employment for people with disabilities," aims to encourage and assist individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence and self-support through productive employment. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Establishing the "Commonwealth of Massachusetts Council for Purchasing from Persons with Disabilities," a nine-member council responsible for determining which services provided by persons with disabilities are suitable for sale to state agencies and local public bodies, verifying fair market prices, certifying eligible community rehabilitation programs and qualified individuals, and approving a central nonprofit agency to facilitate the equitable distribution of orders and marketing of approved services. 2. Requiring state agencies and local public bodies to procure services from the approved list at the council-established prices, exempting such procurement from the Procurement Code. 3. Allowing contracts for supplies manufactured by and services performed by persons with disabilities to be entered into without the requirement for competitive bidding, but mandating an annual review to ensure compliance and appreciable contribution by persons with disabilities. The overall goal of the bill is to expand the market for services delivered by persons with disabilities, enhancing their dignity, independence, and economic self-sufficiency.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H198