HB319. An Act To Amend Titles 19 And 29 Of The Delaware Code Relating To An Employment First Priority Policy For Persons With Disabilities.

Summary

All persons with disabilities, including veterans with service-connected disabilities, have a right to the opportunity for competitive employment. To promote the realization of this right, this bill creates the Employment First Act. The Act requires that state agencies that provide services and support to persons with disabilities shall consider, as their first option, competitive employment in an integrated setting for persons with disabilities. The Act does not require an employer to give preference to hiring persons with disabilities. The Act requires all state agencies to follow this policy for employment by coordinating and collaborating efforts among agencies. In addition, agencies may share data and information whenever possible across systems in order to track progress. State agencies may adopt rules and regulations to implement the Act. This Act further establishes an Employment First Oversight Commission as part of the State Council for Persons with Disabilities. The Commission reviews measurable goals and objectives as submitted to it by each relevant state agency to ensure implementation of the Act. The Commission tracks the measurable progress of state agencies in implementing the Act. The Commission prepares an annual report as part of the annual report submitted by the State Council for Persons with Disabilities to the Governor and the General Assembly. The report details progress made toward the goals and objectives as well as strategies and policies to help realize the employment first initiative.