A test program to aid those waiting for assistance from the state's cash-strapped Division of Services for People with Disabilities passed easily through the House Wednesday.

Sponsored by Rep. Ronda Rudd Menlove, R-Garland, HB31 aims to reduce the DSPD's waiting list by providing employment services to those in need of minimal assistance.

The bill passed by a vote of 69-0. It now goes onto the Senate for consideration.

"There are a number of people on that list waiting for services who are people who could be employed with only minimal support," Menlove said.

Up to 400 of the nearly 1,900 people on the DSPD waiting list could benefit from pre-employment training, limited workplace support and job coaching, Menlove said.

"These persons would then become productive citizens . . . gaining employment, paying taxes," and, she said, moving off the lengthy waiting list.

The two-year pilot program would cost $150,000 to implement and would serve approximately 100 people each year. At the end of that time, lawmakers would evaluate the program to determine its effectiveness in serving those at the bottom of the DSPD waiting list.

Rep. Rebecca Lockhart, R-Provo, spoke in support of HB31 on Wednesday.

"We all know that one of the issues that we struggle with each year is this waiting list and the amount of people who are waiting for services," Lockhart said.

The pilot program is a good way to address the long-standing problem with minimal state dollars, she said.

A challenge to the DSPD waiting list is now underway in Utah's federal court. Plaintiffs have alleged the division's policy of treating the most critical needs violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.

People often spend years, up to 10 in some cases, on the list before receiving services such as in-home help and respite care.

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E-mail: awelling@desnews.com