KRS 163.475: Legislative findings and provisions relating to transition of operation of

Kentucky Industries for the Blind.

(1) The General Assembly finds that the provision of industrial evaluation, training,

and employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired is

a valuable and necessary component of vocational rehabilitation services. The office

has sole responsibility for and the obligation to operate and manage a Division of

the Kentucky Industries for the Blind. This facility has struggled to meet these

mandates but, faced with declining available state revenues, expects a continual

diminishment to a submarginal operation with respect to providing viable long-term

employment opportunities that are self -sustaining and sufficient ly diversified for

individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

(2) The General Assembly finds that increased flexibility in contract negotiation,

purchasing, and hiring will enhance the competitiveness of the Kentucky Industries

for the Blind, resultin g in additional production contracts thereby guaranteeing

continued and expanded jobs and other opportunities for individuals who are blind

or visually impaired. This flexibility and competitiveness can be achieved through

the operation of the Kentucky Ind ustries for the Blind by a nonprofit corporation,

the members of which have expertise in management skills and background

pertaining to sound business practices and rehabilitation philosophy.

(3) The General Assembly finds that a transition period from sta te division to a

nonprofit operation is necessary to ensure the success and continuation of the

important functions of the Kentucky Industries for the Blind. Therefore, the General

Assembly shall continue to support the Division of the Kentucky Industries for the

Blind through appropriations to the office for six (6) years in order to eliminate

eventually the necessity for annual state appropriations. The office shall monitor

and safeguard the expenditure of those public moneys for the use and benefit of th e

Kentucky Industries for the Blind and citizens who are blind and visually impaired

in the Commonwealth.

(4) The General Assembly finds that the continued employment of current employees

of the Division of the Kentucky Industries for the Blind is a necessary and important

outcome. The office shall ensure through contractual provisions that the nonprofit

corporation it contracts with pursuant to KRS 163.480(2) offers employment to

every employee of the Kentucky Industries for the Blind at the time the nonpr ofit

corporation assumes total responsibility for the operation of the workshop. The

office shall maximize the retirement benefits for each current employee of the

Division of Kentucky Industries for the Blind at the time the office contracts for

total operation by the nonprofit corporation through the parted employer provisions

of KRS 61.510 to 61.705.

(5) The General Assembly finds that at the time the Kentucky Industries for the Blind is

operated totally by the nonprofit corporation, the office shall hav e the authority to

convey ownership of the workshop to any nonprofit corporation with which it

contracts pursuant to KRS 163.480(2) without financial consideration, including

real and personal property, inventory of materials, and stores for resale. The

instrument of conveyance to such nonprofit corporation shall provide that the real

property and production equipment conveyed, or sufficient remuneration therefor,

shall revert to the state at any time the nonprofit corporation or its successor shall

cease operating the Kentucky Industries for the Blind for the benefit of individuals

who are blind or visually impaired.