H259 - 2023 Appropriations Act. (SL 2023-134)

Overview: Section 6.9 of S.L. 2023-134 requires the State Board of Community Colleges (SBCC) to create a community college training program (program) for up to 15 community colleges to provide opportunities for micro-credentials or other credentials that lead to increased employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The goal of the program is to inform community colleges and address cross-departmental supports within the individual community colleges on programs for individuals with IDD related to at least the following:

• Establishing best practices for providing vocational training for individuals with IDD.
• Providing financial and benefits counseling.
• Developing strategies on integrating assistive technology.
• Maximizing access, with supports, to credential and degree programs, including micro-credentials that are established by the SBCC.
• Identifying methods to increase orientation and integration of individuals with IDD into the college community to the greatest extent possible.
• Determining a needs assessment, marketing, and evaluation to serve a broad array of individuals with developmental and other similar disabilities or learning challenges to assure adequate demand for new or existing programs.

By May 1 annually, the Community Colleges System Office (System Office) must report on the program to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and the Fiscal Research Division. The report must at least include the following:

• The impact of the program.
• The use of any additional positions created at community colleges.
• Professional development training for staff.
• Funding sources to build programs at community colleges that support postsecondary trainings and certifications that enable individuals with IDD to engage in competitive, sustainable employment.

From the recurring funds appropriated for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium, the System Office must create at least two statewide positions for program support, provide professional development training for college advising staff, and explore funding sources to sustain programs for students with IDD.

This section became effective July 1, 2023.