H.B. 1787 Summary

• Establishes "employment first" as official policy for the State and counties, prioritizing competitive employment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities in integrated settings as the first choice for employment services.

• Requires state and county agencies to implement employment first principles in hiring practices and all publicly funded programs and services for persons with disabilities.

• Defines key terms including "competitive employment" (full or part-time work at or above minimum wage in integrated settings), "integrated setting" (where persons with disabilities interact with non-disabled workers), and "person with a disability" (one with physical or mental impairment substantially limiting major life activities).

• Beginning June 30, 2023, requires the Department of Human Services to apply employment first principles to Medicaid home and community-based services waiver programs and ensure contracted agency providers follow these principles.

• Clarifies that the bill does not require employers to give hiring preference to persons with disabilities and does not eliminate other appropriate supported employment services; effective July 1, 2022 (except Section 2, effective June 30, 2023).