119-HR-8736 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A House bill would let adults with disabilities (18+) choose subminimum‑wage work under Section 14(c) with fewer hurdles, which sponsors frame as expanding “workplace choice,” and critics say risks entrenching segregated, below‑minimum‑wage jobs. [1]GovInfo (GPO) — H.R. 8736 bill text (PDF) — GovInfo

What It Does

The bill amends Section 511 of the Rehabilitation Act to: (1) allow entities holding federal 14(c) certificates to pay subminimum wages to individuals 18 or older if the individual chooses that employment; (2) lower certain age references tied to counseling requirements; (3) let employers proceed if they document repeated attempts to obtain required state vocational‑rehab counseling and the state fails to provide it; and (4) require that individuals’ documentation be made available to their employer. [1]GovInfo (GPO) — H.R. 8736 bill text (PDF) — GovInfo

Who’s For It

• Sponsors: Rep. Glenn Grothman (R‑WI) with Reps. Ann Wagner (R‑MO) and Burgess Owens (R‑UT). [1]GovInfo (GPO) — H.R. 8736 bill text (PDF) — GovInfo
• Backers’ case: they say the bill protects employment opportunities for adults with disabilities and expands workplace choice. [2]Office of Rep. Glenn Grothman — Press release: Grothman introduces Restoration…
• Endorsers include provider and workshop groups such as A‑Team USA, MARC, Inc., Westmoreland County Blind Association, Grand Traverse Industries, and others. [2]Office of Rep. Glenn Grothman — Press release: Grothman introduces Restoration…

Who’s Against It

• Disability‑rights advocates including the National Council on Disability and The Arc support phasing out subminimum wages and moving to competitive, integrated employment. [3]National Council on Disability — NCD statement on proposed rule to end 14(c) su…
• Civil‑rights analysis from the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has criticized subminimum wages as potentially discriminatory and segregating. [4]U.S. Commission on Civil Rights — Subminimum Wages: Impacts on the Civil Rights…
• Recent federal oversight notes many states are moving away from 14(c), reflecting a broader shift toward integrated employment models. [5]U.S. Government Accountability Office — GAO-25-106471: Subminimum Wage Program…

What’s Next

On May 21, 2026, the House Education & the Workforce Committee voted 18–15 to advance H.R. 8736. Next, House leaders may schedule a floor vote; if it passes, the bill moves to the Senate. [6]U.S. House Committee on Education & the Workforce — Full Committee Markup (May…