FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: February 13, 2023
Time Requested: 04:49 PM
Agency: Rehabilitation Services, WV Division of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
1422 Introduced HB3419
CBD Subject:


FUND(S):

General

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund

Legislation creates:





Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


Summarize in a clear and concise manner what impact this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government. Under HB 3419, the estimated cumulative cost to the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is zero additional dollars. DRS is unable to estimate any change in cumulative revenue to the State.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2023
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2024
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 0 0
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


Please explain increases and decreases in personal services, current expenses, repairs and alterations, assets, other costs and revenues, including assumptions and data sources and delineation between start-up and ongoing costs. Please also include a long-range schedule of costs and revenues if fiscal impact is expected to vary in future years. The purpose of HB 3419, in part, is to provide for fair pay and maximized employment of disabled persons; create a state “Employment First” policy that encourages agencies to facilitate employment of disabled persons; and remove current exemption for paying minimum wages to persons in nonprofit workshops. To this end, DRS is already conducting activities of this nature in its mission to enable and empower individuals with disabilities to work and to live independently by providing individualized services to consumers and employers, consistent with consumers’ informed choice. Additionally, DRS’ Director and other staff currently serve on the existing Employment First Task Force established by the WV Legislature in 2019. DRS uses an “Employment First” approach with consumers, actively moving with them toward a goal of competitive, integrated employment. Likewise, DRS is in compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) regarding efforts to minimize non-integrated Sheltered Workshop and subminimum wage employment for individuals with disabilities by providing the individuals employed at such Workshops with information regarding competitive, integrated employment and vocational rehabilitation (VR) services. As of February 2023, there are an estimated fewer than ten individuals with disabilities employed at subminimum in Sheltered Workshops in the State of West Virginia. To establish a taskforce for the purpose of developing recommendations on implementation of an Employment First Policy, DRS will be expected to spend zero additional dollars. The financial impact for agencies, including DRS, of the implementation of a joint Employment First Policy and plan would be determined following the establishment of the taskforce, pursuant to HB 3419. Current DRS practice is to involve the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Resources, and Workforce to the extent possible in serving individuals with disabilities. Over the past two years, DRS has facilitated training opportunities for partner agencies to gain an understanding of services provided to achieve the goal of competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities.



Memorandum


Please identify any areas of vagueness, technical defects, reasons a bill would not have a fiscal impact, and/or any special issues not captured elsewhere on this form. Note that this PARTIAL Fiscal Note highlights the projected costs to DRS following the passage of HB 3419. Additional costs to other agencies and contributors to the proposed taskforce cannot be ascertained by DRS at this time.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Michelle D. James
    Email Address: Michelle.D.James@wv.gov