HB 1057 Summary

• Establishes 367 maximum regular employees for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services with salaries ranging from Grade GS01 to Grade SE01, including positions such as counselors, physicians, therapists, and administrative staff for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

• Appropriates $55,677,539 for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Operations, including $15,920,618 for regular salaries, $252,000 for extra help, and $25,455,389 for contract services.

• Appropriates $6,310,724 for Division of State Services for the Blind Operations, with 78 maximum employees and $4,646,768 for Blind Services Grants.

• Provides additional appropriations of $634,946 for Increasing Capabilities Access Network Federal program, $495,581 for Statewide Disability Telecommunications Equipment Program, $532,085 for Technology Equipment Revolving Loan Program, and $2,000,000 grant to World Services for the Blind.

• Authorizes general waivers of continuing professional education requirements under the Financial Management Guide to allow state rehabilitation agencies to fund college-level coursework for eligible employees using federal grants, effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.