HI HB747

Establishes "employment first" as a state and county policy requiring state and county agencies to implement this principle in hiring and all programs and services they administer or fund.

Defines "employment first" as ensuring disabled persons have access to competitive employment in integrated settings as the first option for employment services, with competitive employment defined as full-time or part-time work compensated at or above minimum wage and customary wage levels.

Requires state and county agencies to coordinate efforts, collaborate on policies and funding, and share data to track progress toward full implementation of employment first principles for disabled persons.

Amends the Medicaid home- and community-based waiver program to require the Department of Human Services and contracted agency providers to follow employment first principles in hiring their employees.

Clarifies that the bill does not require employers to give hiring preference to disabled persons and does not eliminate other supported employment services; effective July 1, 2050.