Brief Description: Modifying provisions relating to the operation of vending facilities and vending machines.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunt, Alexander and Williams.

Hearing Date: 1/30/06

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

The Department of Services for the Blind (Department) was established in 1983 to deliver services to blind persons. Among the services provided to the blind are:

• access to telephonic reading services;
• vocational rehabilitation services to overcome barriers to employment and to develop employment skills;
• independent living services for those not seeking vocational rehabilitation; and
• assistance to blind children and their families to learn skills and to locate resources that increase the child's ability for personal development and participation in society.

The Department also maintains the Business Enterprises Program (Program), pursuant to federal law, in support of blind persons operating vending businesses in public buildings. The Program licenses blind persons to operate vending facilities and vending machines on federal property and in public buildings. The state, including agencies of the state and its political subdivisions, must give priority to licensees of the Program in the operation of vending facilities and vending machines in public buildings.

For purposes of this Program, vending facility refers to any stand, snack bar, cafeteria, or business at which food, tobacco, sundries, or other retail merchandise or service is sold or provided. Vending machines refers to any coin-operated machine that sells or provides food, tobacco, sundries, or other retail merchandise. A public building means any building and adjacent space owned or leased by and dedicated to the administrative functions of the state or any of its political subdivisions.

Summary of Bill:

Licensees of the Program may operate vending facilities rent free in public buildings. The licensee may subcontract with food service providers in operating vending facilities. A private office building located in the capital area that leases space to at least 100 state employees is required to contract with the Department to provide vending facilities and vending machines in those facilities, provided that a vendor is available and the building meets the needs of the Program.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 26, 2007.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.