FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 1636
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. |
C 204 L 15
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Requiring disability employment reporting by state agencies.
Sponsors: House Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives MacEwen and Griffey).
House Committee on State Government
Senate Committee on Government Operations & Security
Background:
There are several state programs that address vocational rehabilitation for persons with disabilities. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is an agency within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) that provides a statewide program of services to disabled persons that support self-sufficiency, job opportunities, and community integration. The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) also within the DSHS, assists individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to obtain services and support based on individual preference, capabilities, and needs.
The Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) operates the Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Program) to provide services that help blind persons overcome barriers and develop skills necessary for employment and independence. The Program must ensure that the services provided to eligible persons meet the requirements of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
In 2013 the Governor issued Executive Order 13-02, which established a goal that by 2017, 5 percent of the state work force will be comprised of people living with a disability. The Executive Order also directed the Office of Financial Management (OFM) to convene the Disability Employment Task Force to assist state agencies with recruiting and retaining disabled persons and engage the private sector to help increase opportunities for disabled persons in all employment sectors.
Summary:
State agencies with 100 or more employees must submit an annual report that includes the total number of employees in the previous year and the number of employees classified as disabled. The report also must include:
the total number employees hired and separated in the past year, including the number of employees hired from the DVR and from the DSB;
the total number of planned hires for the current year; and
opportunities for internships for DVR, DDA, and DSB client placements leading to entry-level positions.
Each agency must submit its report to the OFM human resource director, with copies sent to the DVR and the Governor's Disability Employment Task Force, by January 31 of each year.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 97 | 0 | |
Senate | 48 | 0 | (Senate amended) |
House | 96 | 0 | (House concurred) |
Effective: | July 24, 2015 |