SPRINGFIELD – A package of proposals by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) aimed at increasing state employment of individuals with disabilities has been signed into law by Gov. Pritzker.

“Having a job means having dignity, independence and purpose, regardless of whether or not an individual has a disability,” Morrison said. “The State of Illinois should be a leader in showing that individuals with disabilities are just as capable in the workplace and have a valued role in contributing to our state and our economy.”

Morrison – who is chair of the Senate Human Services Committee and founder of the Special Needs Caucus – passed the series of measures to help break down the barriers to employment individuals with disabilities face.

The package of proposals includes:

• Senate Bill 190, which requires the state to better facilitate the hiring of individuals with disabilities by requiring Central Management Services to send the Successful Disability Opportunities List to state agencies when they are hiring;
• Senate Bill 726, which creates a disabled persons trainee program at all state agencies with more than 1,500 employees; and
• Senate Bill 1136, which requires the state to conduct an annual presentation to state agencies about what hiring programs are available to individuals with disabilities.

“I am hopeful these new laws will elevate the conversation about what we all can be doing to ensure individuals with disabilities are included in the workforce,” Morrison said.

Senate Bills 726 and 1136 were signed on Friday by the governor and take effect immediately. Senate Bill 190 was signed earlier this month and takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020.