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Committee opens bill file to extend program that allows state agencies to purchase from community rehabilitation programs
Summary
The Government Operations Interim Committee on Aug. 20 reviewed the statute allowing state purchases from community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) that employ people with severe disabilities and voted to open a bill file to extend the authority with added accountability requirements.
The Government Operations Interim Committee on Aug. 20 reviewed a statutory exception that allows state agencies to procure goods and services from community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) that employ people with severe disabilities. The committee voted to open a bill file to extend the provision and directed staff to add accountability measures.
Why it matters: The exception creates state procurement pathways for nonprofit CRPs whose mission is to provide employment opportunities for individuals with severe disabilities. Supporters said the program creates jobs and economic independence for a population with few employment options. Critics and some committee members asked for improved outcome metrics and better reporting.
Agency presentation: Wendy Apyrith, division director for state purchasing (Department of Government Operations), told the committee CRPs must maintain an employment ratio in which at least 75% of employees have severe disabilities, per federal guidance. Current CRP contracts include janitorial services and paper shredding; total contract value across tracked CRP contracts is under $1 million, and state reports list about 51 individuals employed through CRP contracts in the most recent tracking period. Apyrith said data collection has improved only recently and that the state is working to standardize metrics.
Public comment: The Utah Republican Party and several individuals testified in favor of extending the program; Salt Lake County Clerk Lanny Chapman and county procurement officials urged clarity and cautioned about shifting costs to counties. Witnesses recommended the state require metrics on how many people are employed through the program and clarify reporting requirements.
Committee action: The committee voted to open a bill file to extend the CRP procurement exception (the provision was scheduled to sunset on July 1, 2026). Senator Plumb moved and the voice vote passed; members said they want the extension conditioned on added accountability and clearer metrics.
Next steps: Committee staff and the Division of Purchasing will propose statutory language to preserve the program while requiring improved outcome tracking and clear resource guidance for counties.
