Bill > SB1388

This bill amends Tennessee's vocational services law to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities to operate vending facilities on public property. Specifically, the bill establishes a new process that allows non-blind individuals with disabilities to operate vending facilities in locations where licensed blind vending facility operators choose not to operate. The bill creates a formal complaint mechanism for public property management to report issues with vending facility operators, whether they are blind or non-disabled, and outlines potential disciplinary actions such as retraining or license removal. For non-blind individuals with disabilities, the bill requires that their vocational rehabilitation plan (Individualized Plan for Employment or IPE) must cover initial business expenses, and mandates that funding for blind and non-blind operators remain separate. The department of human services must prioritize licensed blind operators first, with non-blind disabled individuals receiving second preference. When a non-blind operator leaves a vending facility, the department must first check if blind operators are interested in the location before reassigning it. The bill requires the department to create rules implementing these provisions and takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1388&ga=114