MN SF2669

Prohibits employers from hiring new employees with disabilities below the highest applicable minimum wage effective August 1, 2023, and extends the prohibition to all employees with disabilities by August 1, 2025, regardless of federal special certificates under the Fair Labor Standards Act section 14(c).

Establishes a statewide disability employment technical assistance center to provide resources, training, business model transition support, and mentorship to help individuals with disabilities achieve competitive integrated employment.

Creates lead agency employment first capacity building grants to expand capacity supporting people with disabilities in exploring and maintaining competitive integrated employment options.

Increases case manager training requirements from 10 to 20 hours annually and mandates employment support planning training for all case managers by August 1, 2024, with focus on person-centered and employment planning.

Appropriates $450,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $1,800,000 in fiscal year 2025 for employment technical assistance grants, plus $500,000 and $2,500,000 respectively for lead agency capacity building grants.