AR HB1149

Establishes a maximum of 478 regular employees for the Department of Career Education - Arkansas Rehabilitation Services for fiscal year 2019-2020, with positions ranging from Rehabilitation Services Commissioner to various support staff across medical, administrative, and vocational services.

Authorizes 19 part-time or temporary "Extra Help" employees at rates not to exceed those provided in the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act.

Appropriates $58,800,190 for Operations, including $19,562,900 for regular salaries, $6,832,368 for personal services matching, $7,480,905 for operating expenses, and $2,647,183 for rehabilitation program grants.

Authorizes additional appropriations for specialized programs: $336,885 for Increasing Capabilities Access Network-Federal, $397,241 for Statewide Disability Telecommunication Equipment Program, $6,325 for People with Disabilities Program-Special, $532,085 for Technology Equipment Revolving Loan Program, and $356,542 for Cash Operations.

Establishes a Comprehensive System of Personnel Development waiver allowing the agency to provide college-level coursework for eligible employees and authorizes a Forgiveness of Student Loan Program for counselors with payments capped at $2,000 annually or $10,000 per employee, funded up to $80,000 per fiscal year.