Cotton Introduces Bill to Expand Employment Opportunities for Disabled Arkansans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601
July 16, 2026

Cotton Introduces Bill to Expand Employment Opportunities for Disabled Arkansans

Washington, DC - Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities aged 18 years or older. The Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would enable anyone over the age of 18 to participate in a 14(c) program.

14(c) programs are meant to enable employment opportunities for disabled individuals who may not otherwise be hired at full wage. The current law, passed in 2014, creates a complicated, multi-step process that is often a significant barrier to entry.

"Hard-working Arkansans shouldn't have to jump through hoops to get a job. My bill would remove obstacles for any disabled adult to participate in the 14(c) program," said Senator Cotton.

Text of the bill can be found here.

The Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would:

• Permit individuals 18 years or older to participate in 14(c) programs.
• Establish that 14(c) employers can employ individuals aged 18 years and older if they document that a state agency failed to provide counseling and referrals to potential workers.

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