Bill > HB4179

This bill appropriates $10 million from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide transition grants under Section 14(c) of the existing law. The grants are specifically designed to help community agencies that currently have or are seeking 14(c) certificates to transition away from paying subminimum wages to workers with disabilities. Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act has historically allowed employers to obtain special certificates permitting them to pay workers with disabilities wages below the standard minimum wage, but this bill supports agencies in moving towards paying fair, competitive wages. The funding is in addition to existing appropriations for community-based services for persons with developmental disabilities and will be effective immediately upon becoming law. By providing financial assistance for this transition, the bill aims to support more equitable employment practices for workers with disabilities.

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4179&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104