Bill > HB1921

This bill appropriates funds for the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, allocating approximately $33.7 million from the State General Fund and over $226.7 million from special funds, with a portion of these special funds, specifically $3.68 million, designated from the Health Care Expendable Fund to match federal funds and support the Independent Living Program, including the State Attendant Care Program. The bill also details that over $61.8 million will be used for "Personal Services," which covers employee salaries, wages, and fringe benefits, including "Vacancy Funding" for approved but unfilled positions, and sets specific headcount limits for permanent and time-limited employees, emphasizing that these personal services funds cannot be transferred to other categories and must comply with the Variable Compensation Plan and salary guidelines set by the Mississippi State Personnel Board. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the DRS maintain detailed accounting and personnel records, outlines specific allocations for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind to maintain accreditation and support the National Federation for the Blind Newsline service, prioritizes purchases from Mississippi Industries for the Blind, and sets performance targets for various DRS programs, including Disability Determination Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and programs for individuals with spinal cord and head injuries, with a specific allocation of $4.85 million for increases in Personal Care Assistant wages and $1.56 million from general funds for the Spinal Cord & Head Injury Trust, while also ensuring continued funding for Home and Community Based Waiver programs.

Budget and Finance

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1921.xml