AR SB109

Establishes a maximum of 76 regular employees for the Department of Human Services - Division of State Services for the Blind for fiscal year 2015-2016, including positions ranging from department director to administrative specialists.

Authorizes up to 30 temporary or part-time employees ("Extra Help") to be hired as needed at rates consistent with the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act.

Appropriates $11,725,997 total for fiscal year 2015-2016, including $2,903,231 for regular salaries, $384,174 for extra help, $1,090,478 for personal services matching, and $5,019,977 for purchase of services.

Authorizes a waiver of the Financial Management Guide to allow the agency to fund college-level coursework for Rehabilitation Counselors using federal grants from the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration, with no state general revenue to be used for tuition.

Becomes effective on July 1, 2015, with an emergency clause declaring the appropriation essential to the agency's operation.