CS/HB 495 Summary

• Renames the James Patrick Memorial Work Incentive Personal Attendant Services Program to the James Patrick Memorial Work Incentive Personal Attendant Services and Employment Assistance Program and expands its scope to support competitive and integrated employment.

• Defines "competitive and integrated employment" as work in public or private sectors where employees earn comparable wages and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• Establishes an Oversight Committee consisting of five members (Director of Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, a business professional appointed by the Speaker, a program participant appointed by the Senate President, director of advisory council on brain and spinal cord injuries, and a financial management professional appointed by the Governor) to approve maximum monthly reimbursement, policies, and annual operating budgets.

• Limits annual operating budget for program administration and oversight to 12 percent of funds deposited with the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, with the program reimbursing the Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living for approved costs.

• Reduces the maximum funding for each state attorney participating in the tax collection enforcement diversion program from $75,000 to $50,000 and takes effect July 1, 2016.