Senate Bill 578 Summary

• Department of Health and Human Services shall study development and implementation of a comprehensive statewide program to establish North Carolina as a model employer for individuals with disabilities, in consultation with the Office of State Human Resources.

• Program goals include increasing disability inclusion in state agency employment, specifically targeting intellectual and developmental disabilities employment, and demonstrating viability to local government and private sector employers.

• Study shall examine existing programs in other states and consider at least seven potential program components including fast-track hiring, recruitment efforts, accessibility improvements, workplace accommodations, personnel training, data collection systems, and public-private partnerships like Project SEARCH.

• Department shall submit a report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by December 1, 2023, including study results and any legislative recommendations.