Senate approves task force to examine phase out of subminimal wage for Oklahomans with disabilities

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has passed a bill creating the “Rethinking Paying Subminimal Wage to Persons with Disabilities Task Force.” Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt is the Senate principal author of House Bill 1833, which would form a panel to develop strategies for phasing out the practice of paying Oklahoma workers with disabilities lower than minimum wages, known as a 14 (c) waiver.  

“There’s a big gap between the employment of eligible adults with disabilities versus Oklahomans who don’t have disabilities,” said Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “For decades, the federal government has allowed lower wages for people with disabilities to encourage employment opportunities, but that will be ending. This task force will organize private and public stakeholders to develop strategies for this transition.” 

The task force would include representatives of businesses, nonprofits, and advocates, and would be authorized until Nov. 1, 2027. Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, is the House principal author of HB 1833. 

“Integrated employment in our communities is what’s best for all of us. This task force will help us make plans so that Oklahomans with disabilities can get paid living wages across the state,” Hefner said. 

HB 1833 will next move to the governor for his consideration. 

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Julia Kirt at 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov