Subminimum wages prohibited for persons with disabilities, lead agency board and case manager responsibilities and training modified, statewide disability employment technical assistance center and employment first capacity building grants established, requirements for informed choice in employment policy modified, Minnesota supplemental aid program eligibility clarified, Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Law data use modified, and money appropriated.
Impact
The proposed legislation has significant implications for existing laws governing wage standards and employment practices for individuals with disabilities. By eliminating the allowance of subminimum wages, HF2513 seeks to align employment conditions with state minimum wage laws, thereby uplifting the financial status of disabled workers. Moreover, the establishment of a statewide disability employment technical assistance center will provide essential resources for both employers and individuals with disabilities, facilitating a more inclusive workforce strategy. Lead agencies will also receive funding to enhance their capacity to foster employment opportunities for this demographic.
Summary
House File 2513 focuses on increasing support for individuals with disabilities in the workforce by prohibiting subminimum wage payments and enhancing case management services. Beginning August 1, 2023, employers will no longer be allowed to pay new employees with disabilities below the highest applicable minimum wage, even with a special certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor. By August 1, 2025, this prohibition will extend to all employees with disabilities, potentially eliminating subminimum wage practices altogether. This change is aimed at promoting fair compensation for workers with disabilities and ensuring they receive equitable pay for their contributions in the labor market.
Contention
While the intent behind HF2513 is widely seen as positive, there are points of contention from certain stakeholders. Opponents argue that the abrupt prohibition of subminimum wages may adversely affect employers who rely on such provisions to manage labor costs, particularly in small and non-profit businesses. Concerns also arise regarding the potential loss of employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities who might struggle to meet job performance expectations in more competitive wage environments without adequate support. The discussions around implementing this bill highlight the need for a measured approach to ensure the protection of vulnerable workers without hampering employment prospects.
Human services; provisions modified relating to disability services, aging services, and substance use disorder services; Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services Act modified; subminimum wages phased out; blood-borne pathogen provisions expanded to all state-operated treatment programs; and expired reports removed.
Notice of medical assistance program required for employed persons with disabilities, and medical assistance eligibility requirements modified for employed persons with disabilities.
Notice of the medical assistance program for employed person with disabilities requirement; medical assistance eligibility requirements for employed persons with disabilities modification
Governor's budget bill for early childhood programs; child welfare and child care licensing provisions modified; technical changes to early childhood law made; Department of Children, Youth, and Families recodification updated; and money appropriated.