Existing rules remained in place
A 14 July letter to certificate holders confirmed that section 14(c) regulations were unchanged. Under the federal framework, employers need a certificate before paying qualifying disabled workers below the federal minimum wage. The department said it would continue enforcement and processing applications under the existing system. [2][1]
Self-advocates had supported a transition
During the consultation, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network encouraged people to support ending new certificates and phasing out renewals. Its plain-language guide argued that employers should stop paying below minimum wage within three years of a final rule. It also invited disabled workers to contribute their own experiences.
The department cited limits on its authority
In its later report to Congress, the department said it had received more than 17,000 submissions, including over 11,000 unique comments. It explained that concerns about statutory authority to stop issuing certificates contributed to withdrawal. This was the department’s stated legal position in abandoning the proposal. [4]