CS/HB 1083 Summary

• Creates section 445.08 of Florida Statutes to establish an interagency cooperative agreement aimed at improving employment outcomes for persons with disabilities in Florida.

• Requires nine state agencies and organizations to develop and implement the agreement, including the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Division of Blind Services, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Economic Opportunity, Workforce Florida Inc., and others.

• Defines "employment" as work at minimum wage or greater that is fully integrated in the community workforce and includes integrated employment, supported employment, customized employment, and suitable gainful employment.

• The cooperative agreement must establish leadership commitment to maximize resources, develop strategic goals and benchmarks, identify financing methods that prioritize employment for persons with disabilities, improve training opportunities, ensure agency collaboration, promote innovation in supported employment services, and establish accountability measures.

• Takes effect July 1, 2015.