MS HB1809

Appropriates $32,796,819.00 from the State General Fund and $223,272,721.00 from special funds to the Department of Rehabilitation Services for fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025).

Allocates $3,681,802.00 from the Health Care Expendable Fund for federal matching funds ($2,826,899.00) and the Independent Living Program including State Attendant Care Program ($854,903.00).

Authorizes 875 permanent positions and 201 time-limited positions; restricts salary increases to new hires unless programs or positions are added by the Legislature.

Establishes performance targets for multiple programs including Disability Determination Services (60,000 dispositions), Vocational Rehabilitation (15,050 clients served, 2,545 rehabilitated), and Home and Community Based Waiver programs (4,100 slots at or above FY2024 funding levels).

Requires reporting on achievement of performance targets in the agency's FY2026 budget request and maintains accreditation standards for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind.