1706.E AMS WALS S4113.1
EHB 1706 - S AMD TO LBRC COMM AMD (S-3356.1/19) 605
By Senator Walsh
OUT OF ORDER 04/17/2019
On page 1, after line 2, insert the following:
"NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the use of a subminimum wage by Washington employers has been declining. A number of other states have already amended their minimum wage laws to remove lowered standards for workers with disabilities. The greatest portion of the developmentally disabled population is capable of working independently; some with simple mentorship, others very competitively within the greater market. The legislature recognizes the value that individuals with disabilities add to the workforce, and seeks to better integrate them into our communities.
The legislature also recognizes that for a smaller number of individuals with disabilities, functioning in competitive, integrated employment may not be possible. For these individuals, long-term, supported group employment may provide a beneficial and worthwhile service that leads to a better life while also providing value respite for their family. Yet, Washington's current options focus on short-term employment support. By providing a phased-in timeline for changes to our minimum wage laws for workers with disabilities, the legislature intends to provide time to develop choices for long-term, state-supported employment opportunities, thereby ensuring all individuals with disabilities have choices that work for them."
Renumber the remaining sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
On page 1, line 30, after "subsection;" strike "and"
On page 2, line 1, after "in" strike "(a) of this subsection" and insert "this section"
On page 2, line 5, after "eligible" insert ";
(d) Options for employer-based incentives to help employers mitigate potential increased costs associated with moving away from paying subminimum wage;
(e) A survey of individuals currently or recently participating in a subminimum wage service opportunity and whether they prefer the subminimum wage service opportunity over other service options; and
(f) Current outreach efforts to both minimum and subminimum wage employers throughout the state and recommendations for how to develop and expand minimum wage employment service opportunities for individuals with disabilities"
EHB 1706 - S AMD TO LBRC COMM AMD (S-3356.1/19) 605
By Senator Walsh
OUT OF ORDER 04/17/2019
On page 2, line 9, after "creating" strike "a new section" and insert "new sections"
EFFECT: (1) Adds an intent section.
(2) Adds additional reporting requirements for department of labor and industries and the department of social and health services, including options for employer-based incentives to help employers mitigate potential increased costs of moving away from the subminimum wage, a survey of individuals currently or recently participating in a subminimum wage service opportunity, and current outreach efforts to employers throughout the state.
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