Bill would create special fund to distribute Randolph‑Sheppard commissions to blind vendors

Representative Valerie Moore opened testimony on House Bill 161, saying the bill creates a special revenue fund to hold and distribute monies collected from non‑blind vendors operating vending machines on state and federal property. "The intent is to create a special revenue fund for monies collected from non blind vendors operating machines on state and federal property," Moore said, noting the collections stem from the federal Randolph‑Sheppard Act.

Chanda Hermanson, division administrator for the Disability Employment and Transitions Division at the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), testified the state currently receives commission checks that previously went to a contractor; because the program was recently transitioned in‑house the department lacks the correct account type and statutory appropriation to deposit and spend the funds as intended for blind vendors. “This bill is a crucial step forward ensuring that the BEP and blind vendors have access to the resources needed to continue promoting vocational independence and economic self sufficiency for our blind individuals,” Hermanson said.

Hermanson told the committee there are three blind vendors operating in Montana (Helena, Missoula and Billings) and two others in training; the fund would be used for equipment, supplies, training and startup expenses. Senator Fern asked whether the account would be attached to the Disability Employment and Transitions Division; Hermanson confirmed it would and said the funds would augment existing support for blind vendors. Representative Moore closed asking for a do‑pass recommendation; no committee vote was recorded in the hearing transcript.