Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, and Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, ‎announced the first meeting of the Rethinking Paying Subminimal Wage to Persons with Disabilities ‎Task Force to be held on January 29 at 10 a.m. in Room 206 at the Oklahoma State Capitol. ‎

The task force was created through House Bill 1833, which became effective on November 1, ‎‎2025. It creates a panel of 11 people to prepare Oklahoma and its workforce for the transition away from Section 14(c) certificates, which allow sub-minimum wages for individuals with disabilities. ‎

Rep. Ellyn Hefner is the House principal author of HB 1833. 

“The 14c Task Force is essential to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to fair and equitable employment opportunities,” said Hefner. “Through collaboration, we can address challenges and work toward ALL Oklahomans having a living wage.”

Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt is the Senate principal author of HB 1833.‎

‎“We want every Oklahoman with disabilities to work in the best possible job for them. ‎So many people want to work and make higher wages, but face obstacles to those jobs. ‎We’re proud to bring together private business, nonprofit and governmental leaders to ‎solve problems and advance good jobs for people with disabilities,” Kirt said.‎

Kirt and Hefner will serve as co-chairs of the task force. The task force includes representatives of businesses, nonprofits, and self-advocates, and is ‎authorized until Nov. 1, 2027.‎

‎ WHAT: First official meeting of the Rethinking Paying Subminimal Wage to Persons with ‎Disabilities Task Force

‎ WHEN: Jan. 29, 2026 at 10 a.m. to noon

‎ WHERE: Room 206 at the Oklahoma State Capitol

The meeting will also be livestreamed on the Oklahoma House of Representatives website.

For more information: 

• Contact: Representative Ellyn Hefner, Phone: (405) 557-7335
• Contact: Senator Julia Kirt, Phone: (405) 521-5636