HI HB747

Establishes "employment first" as a state and county policy prioritizing competitive integrated employment for disabled persons in all state and county hiring and programs.

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

Defines key terms including "competitive employment" (full-time or part-time work at or above minimum wage in integrated settings), "employment first" (full inclusion in workplace as first employment option), and "integrated setting" (environments where disabled and nondisabled persons interact equally).

Applies employment first principles to Medicaid home- and community-based waiver programs, requiring the Department of Human Services and contracted agency providers to follow these principles in hiring.

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