Bill > H86

This bill, titled the "State Use Act to Promote Employment for People with Disabilities," aims to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities by establishing a framework for state agencies and local public bodies to procure services from them. It defines key terms such as "community rehabilitation program" (a nonprofit entity employing at least 75% individuals with disabilities in direct labor), "qualified individual" (a business owner or a business primarily owned and operated by individuals with disabilities that employs at least 75% individuals with disabilities in direct labor), and "persons with disabilities" (individuals with a mental or physical impairment that substantially impedes employment). The bill creates the "Commonwealth of Massachusetts council for purchasing from persons with disabilities" to oversee this initiative. This council will be responsible for identifying suitable services, maintaining a list of these services, verifying fair market prices, and certifying eligible programs and individuals. It also establishes procedures for a central nonprofit agency to manage contracts and distribute orders. State agencies and local public bodies are required to procure services from this list at council-established prices, exempting these procurements from competitive bidding. Contracts exceeding $300,000 annually will undergo a review to ensure compliance, with a 45-day period to remedy any deficiencies before a contract can be terminated.