Bill > H212

This bill, called the "State Use Act to Promote Employment for People with Disabilities", aims to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities by creating a structured framework for state procurement of services from organizations primarily employing people with disabilities. The legislation establishes a nine-member Commonwealth of Massachusetts Council for Purchasing from Persons with Disabilities, which will be responsible for defining eligible services, verifying fair market prices, certifying community rehabilitation programs, and creating procedures for procuring services from these organizations. The council will maintain a list of suitable services and ensure that work opportunities provide fair pay, integration with non-disabled persons, and added value. State agencies and local public bodies will be required to procure services from approved providers when possible, with contracts being exempt from standard competitive bidding requirements. To qualify, organizations must employ at least 75% people with disabilities in direct labor and meet specific operational standards. The bill defines "persons with disabilities" as those with mental or physical impairments that substantially impede employment, and it seeks to enhance personal independence, dignity, and self-support while reducing welfare dependence by creating a consistent market for services provided by people with disabilities.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H212