H.B. No. 427 Summary

• Phases out subminimum wage employment for individuals with physical or mental disabilities over five years, with a complete ban beginning five years after the effective date.

• Establishes a 90-day moratorium on issuing new subminimum wage licenses, after which only existing licensees may continue paying subminimum wages until the five-year deadline.

• Requires employers holding state licenses or federal certificates to submit transition plans within 15 months detailing how they will phase out subminimum wages and support competitive integrated employment.

• Directs the Department of Developmental Disabilities to assist employers with the transition, collect data, establish benchmarks, and submit annual reports to the governor and General Assembly until subminimum wages are eliminated.

• Names the act the "Ohio Employment First and Greater Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act" and establishes an employment first task force to coordinate state efforts in supporting individuals with disabilities in competitive employment.