HCS HB 1367 -- BIDDING PREFERENCE FOR SHELTERED WORKSHOPS

SPONSOR:  Ervin (Hobbs)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Small Business by a vote of 10 to 0.

This substitute changes the bidding preference requirement for
sheltered workshops from a 5-point to a 25-point bonus when the
work provided by the workshop generates over $5,000 annually.
The amount of compensation paid by the Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education to the sheltered workshop for each
handicapped worker is clarified.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill allows workshops to bid
on more jobs, be flexible with work schedules, and partner with
the state on contracts.  It also encourages businesses to look at
workshops for certain jobs like printing.  There are currently
7,321 handicapped individuals employed in 92 sheltered workshops
throughout Missouri.  The last one was opened a couple of years
ago, and a new one will soon be opening in St. Louis.  The $5,000
threshold is the point were a job is lucrative for the workshop.
Sheltered workshops have a very positive impact on the lives of
handicap workers.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Hobbs; Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education; Missouri Association of
Sheltered Workshop Managers; and Mentally Retarded Citizens of
Missouri.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Karla Strobel, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:43 am