Legislative Watch-List
The following list provides information on pending legislation that CPSD has chosen to support or oppose, as they relate to the organization’s core mission to empower citizens with significant disabilities to become self-sufficient, productive members of society through employment in jobs and environments that are typical in our society. Though not exhaustive, the CPSD Legislative Watch List serves as a reference document for members and potential members. Any recommended edits to this list should be submitted to Hannah Allen (hallen@wpllc.net).
Support
H.R.188, Transitioning to Integrated and Meaningful Employment (TIME) Act of 2015
Sponsor: Rep. Gregg Harper (R-MS) Cosponsors: 53
Introduced: 01/07/2015
Latest Action: 04/29/2015 Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections
Summary: Directs the Secretary of Labor to discontinue issuing to any new profit or non-profit or governmental entity special wage certificates (which permit individuals with disabilities, including individuals employed in agriculture, to be paid at lower than minimum wages). Prescribes requirements for a three-year phase-out of all certificates. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to repeal authority and requirements for the issuance of such certificates three years after enactment of this Act. Requires revocation of any certificates remaining at that time.
Related bills: 0
H.R.927, Keeping All Students Safe Act
Sponsor: Rep. Donald Beyer (D-VA) Cosponsors: 38
Introduced: 02/12/2015
Latest Action: 04/29/2015 Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education
Summary: Directs the Department of Education to establish minimum standards that prohibits seclusion and restraint unless such measures are required to eliminate an imminent danger of physical injury to the student or others and certain precautions are taken. Requires LEAs to ensure there are sufficient number of school personnel who receive state-approved crisis intervention training and certification in first aid. Prohibits physical restraint or seclusion from being written into a student’s education plan, individual safety plan, behavioral plan, or individual education program as a planned intervention.
Related bills: H.R.2268, Ending Corporal Punishment in Schools Act of 2015;
H.R.2442, Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2015
Sponsor: Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) Cosponsors: 36
Introduced: 05/19/2015
Latest Action: 05/19/2015 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means
Summary: Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to increase from $240 to $1,344 (increased for inflation each calendar year after 2016) the first amount of general income per year excluded in determining SSI program eligibility. Increases from $780 to $4,368 (similarly increased) the first amount of earned income similarly excluded (including for a blind or disabled individual or spouse under age 65).
Related bills: S.1387, Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2015 (identical bill)
H.R.3099, RAISE Family Caregivers Act
Sponsor: Rep. Gregg Harper (R-MS) Cosponsors: 30
Introduced: 07/16/2015
Latest Action: 11/16/2015 Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education
Summary: This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop, maintain, and periodically update a National Family Caregiving Strategy. HHS shall convene a Family Caregiving Advisory Council to advise it on recognizing and supporting family caregivers. Federal departments and agencies must share with HHS any data they maintain that HHS needs to prepare the initial and updated Strategies.
Related bills: S.1719, RAISE Family Caregivers Act
H.R.3516, Social Security Beneficiary 2nd Amendment Rights Protection Act
Sponsor: Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) Cosponsors: 111
Introduced: 09/16/2015
Latest Action: 09/16/2015 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means
Summary: This bill amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to prohibit any determination by the Commissioner of Social Security with respect to an individual, including one that OASDI and SSI benefits to which that individual is entitled shall be paid to a representative payee, from being considered to be a determination that the individual has been adjudicated as a mental defective to make it unlawful for the individual to engage in the shipment or transport of firearms or ammunition or receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Related bills: 0
CPSD has submitted a letter of support to Chairman Johnson (January 2016)
S.1604, Transition to Independence Act
Sponsor: Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) Cosponsors: 2
Introduced: 06/08/2015
Latest Action: 06/18/2015 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance
Summary: This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration program over five fiscal years, beginning with FY2017, under which a Medicaid Buy-In-State meeting certain criteria may receive bonus payments for:
- meeting specific measurable benchmarks in expanding individual integrated employment and reducing subminimum wage work, congregate setting work, or facility-based day habilitation placements for working-age individuals with a disability receiving Medicaid-funded home or community-based services; and
- taking other actions conducive to expanding employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities within the state.
Related bills: 0
CPSD has submitted a letter of support to Senators Grassley, Casey, and Wyden (July 2015)
S.2427, Disability Integration Act of 2015
Sponsor: Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) Cosponsor: 1
Introduced: 12/18/2015
Latest Action: 12/18/2015 Read twice and referred to HELP Committee
Summary: To prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities who need long-term services and supports, and for other purposes.
Related bills: 0
Oppose
H.R.2646, Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2015
Sponsor: Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA) Cosponsors: 177
Introduced: 06/04/2015
Latest Action: 11/16/2015 Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education
Summary: To make available needed psychiatric, psychological, and supportive services for individuals with mental illness and families in mental health crisis, and for other purposes.
Reason for opposition: this bill would restrict the rights of people with mental health disabilities, reduce HIPAA protections, and dismantle funding for much of the P&A programs, SAMHSA, and community-based services for mental health.
Related Bills: H.R.938, S.1299, Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2015; S.2151, Family Health Care Accessibility Act of 2015