Senate Bill 16-093 Summary

• Transfers oversight of independent living services for individuals with disabilities from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Labor and Employment, effective July 1, 2016.

• Creates the Office of Independent Living Services within the Department of Labor and Employment to oversee contracts with independent living centers that provide five core services: information and referral, skills training, peer counseling, advocacy, and transition services.

• Establishes minimum funding requirement of $600,000 base amount per independent living center and requires rule promulgation by July 1, 2016 for block distribution of state funds.

• Independent living centers must meet federal requirements under Title VII, section 725 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, maintain consumer control with 51% board members having disabilities, and employ 51% or more persons with disabilities.

• Transfers all existing Department of Human Services employees, property, contracts, and rules related to independent living services to the Department of Labor and Employment with continuity of employment and benefits.