CA SB639

Prohibits issuance of new special licenses allowing subminimum wage employment for people with disabilities after January 1, 2022, with existing licenses renewable only if holders meet benchmarks in a phaseout plan.

Requires the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to develop a multiyear phaseout plan by January 1, 2023, ensuring employees with disabilities earn at least minimum wage by January 1, 2025.

Mandates the phaseout plan include benchmarks, resource assessments, federal funding strategies, and data collection requirements tracking employment outcomes and wage transitions for affected workers.

Requires the State Council to publicly release the phaseout plan by January 1, 2023, submit it to Legislature, and file annual progress reports starting January 1, 2024.

Repeals Section 1191.5 (which allowed nonprofit organizations like sheltered workshops to employ disabled workers at subminimum wages) effective January 1, 2025.