Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Early Learning & Human Services Committee |
HB 2450
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning employment of persons with disabilities.
Sponsors: Representatives Haigh, MacEwen, S. Hunt, Santos and Freeman.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/30/14
Staff: Luke Wickham (786-7146).
Background:
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) provides services to individuals who want to work but need assistance due to a physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental disability. A DVR counselor will work with an individual to create a customized plan to achieve his or her job goal. The DVR provides counseling and guidance, counselors for the deaf and hard of hearing, assessment services, benefit planning, independent living services, assistive technology services, training and education, and job-related services.
The DVR internship program matches a DVR customer with an employer in an individual's desired field. The specific length and setting of an internship are determined by agreement between a DVR customer, DVR counselor, and a host employer. Host employers provide a paid internship for a DVR customer by hiring him or her as a temporary employee and DVR reimburses the employer for all salary and related costs.
Summary of Bill:
State agencies employing 30 or more people must submit a report to the Human Resources Director, with copies to the director of the Department of Social and Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation(DVR) and the Governor's Committee on Disabilities and Employment by January 31st of each year.
This report must include the following:
the number of employees from the previous year;
the number of employees classified as individuals with disabilities;
the number of employees that separated from the state agency the previous year;
the number of employees that were hired by the state agency the previous year;
the number of employees hired from a DVR program the previous year;
planned hires for the current year; and
opportunities for internships for a DVR client placement leading to an entry-level position.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.