MS HB132

Establishes state policy that competitive employment in integrated settings shall be the first priority option when planning services and supports for working-age persons with disabilities (age 14 and older).

Requires all state agencies providing disability services and/or employment services to coordinate efforts, share data, and collaborate to ensure programs support competitive integrated employment for persons with disabilities.

Defines key terms: "competitive employment" means full-time or part-time work in the competitive labor market compensated at wages comparable to persons without disabilities; "integrated setting" means community settings where persons with disabilities interact with persons without disabilities to a comparable extent.

Directs the Mississippi Disability Resource Commission to monitor and oversee implementation by state agencies, request measurable goals and objectives from each relevant agency, and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing progress and identifying barriers to implementation.

Effective July 1, 2014; clarifies the act does not supersede federal statutory requirements, prohibit center-based employment options, or require specific expenditure levels.