Bill > HB1754

This bill appropriates funds for the Department of Rehabilitation Services for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. * **State General Fund:** $32,555,404.00 is appropriated from the State General Fund for the department's expenses. * Of this amount, $1,563,039.00 is allocated to the Spinal Cord & Head Injury Trust. * **Special Funds:** $224,005,132.00 is appropriated from special source funds available to the department for its various offices. * Of this amount, $3,681,802.00 is from the Health Care Expendable Fund. This includes $2,826,899.00 to fully match federal funds and $854,903.00 for the Independent Living Program, which includes the State Attendant Care Program. * **Personnel:** The bill authorizes 875 permanent and 201 time-limited positions. It also includes provisions regarding personal services expenditures, salary adjustments, and the use of funds for vacancies. * **Specific Program Funding:** * Up to $500.00 from appropriated funds is allowed for the accreditation of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind. * Up to $100,000.00 is authorized for the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) News line service. * **Home and Community Based Waiver Programs:** Continued funding at or above Fiscal Year 2025 levels is intended for up to 4,100 slots in Home and Community Based Waiver programs for Independent Living and Spinal Cord/Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver programs. * **Preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind:** The bill mandates preference be given to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind for purchases of commodities or equipment, whether through competitive bids or without them. * **Performance Measures:** The bill outlines targeted performance measures for various programs within the Department of Rehabilitation Services for Fiscal Year 2026, including disposition numbers, processing times, client service numbers, rehabilitation numbers, and employment percentages. * **Spending Limitations:** The bill emphasizes that no state agency shall incur obligations or indebtedness in excess of its appropriation.