HB1081 Summary

• Appropriates $58,203,364 for Department of Commerce - Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Operations for fiscal year 2023-2024, including $17,437,863 for regular salaries and $25,455,389 for contract services.

• Establishes 377 maximum regular employees and authorizes 19 temporary/part-time employees for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Operations division.

• Appropriates $6,701,766 for Division of State Services for the Blind with 78 maximum regular employees and 30 temporary/part-time employees authorized.

• Appropriates additional funding for specialized programs including $814,379 for Increasing Capabilities Access Network-Federal, $500,325 for Statewide Disability Telecommunications Equipment Program, $2,000,000 grant to World Services for the Blind, and $4,646,768 for Blind Services Grants.

• Grants waivers to Arkansas Rehabilitation Services and Division of State Services for the Blind allowing provision of college-level coursework in degree programs for eligible employees under federal Rehabilitation Act requirements.