AN ACT to retain Adult Developmental and vocational programs and community rehabilitation programs.

Whereas, North Carolina citizens with disabilities are deserving of having the same choice of where, how, and with whom they work and spend their time as other North Carolina citizens; and

Whereas, North Carolina Adult Developmental and Vocational Programs (ADVP) and Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRP), in partnership with business and industry, are an integral part of their local communities and their economies; and

Whereas, programs and employment offered by North Carolina ADVPs and CRPs through competitive integrated employment, ADVP‑based and CRP‑based manufacturing, or independent work to North Carolina citizens with disabilities provide the opportunity to meet new people, gain new skills, and earn the respect, dignity, and ancillary human benefits that come with earning a paycheck and making a significant economic impact on our State's economy; and

Whereas, approximately 8,500 citizens with disabilities avail themselves of the opportunity to participate in these ADVP and CRP programs each year and approximately 1,000 citizens receive competitive integrated employment service each year; and

Whereas, the parents, guardians, and caregivers of many of these participants support and attest to the benefits of these programs and the employment provided under them; and

Whereas, just like other North Carolina citizens, individuals with disabilities should be free to choose the settings in which they receive services or employment, including programs offered by North Carolina ADVPs and CRPs in competitive integrated employment, ADVP‑based and CRP‑based manufacturing, or independent work assignment; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  The Department of Health and Human Services shall not enact policy that reduces or eliminates services provided at Adult Developmental and Vocational Programs (ADVP) or Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRP) without (i) fully following procedures regarding stakeholder notification and input and (ii) appropriately funding a robust array of services that reflect choice.

SECTION 2.  The Department of Health and Human Services shall not permit a reduction in admission to ADVPs and CRPs until current services are appropriately reviewed and any new services are approved through statutory or regulatory processes.

SECTION 3.  The General Assembly encourages the North Carolina Congressional Delegation to review the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act's rules and definitions, as promulgated by the United States Department of Education, to assess for any negative impact to the citizens of North Carolina.

SECTION 4.  This act is effective when it becomes law.