MS HB836

State agencies providing services to persons with disabilities must prioritize competitive employment in integrated settings as the first option when planning services for working-age individuals (age 14+).

Competitive employment is defined as full-time or part-time work in the community where pay is comparable to non-disabled workers performing similar jobs and complies with wage-and-hour laws.

The Mississippi Disability Resource Commission is expanded from 13 to 14 members and directed to monitor state agency implementation, request measurable goals and objectives, track progress, and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature.

State agencies must coordinate efforts, share data across systems, and are encouraged to adopt measurable goals to promote integrated and competitive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Nothing in the act supersedes federal mandates, requires preferential hiring of persons with disabilities, limits disability benefits, or prohibits alternative employment programs like center-based or skill development employment; effective July 1, 2015.