MS HB1754

Appropriates $32,555,404.00 from the State General Fund and $224,005,132.00 from special funds to the Department of Rehabilitation Services for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026).

Authorizes 875 permanent positions and 201 time-limited positions within the department, with restrictions on salary escalations and transfers without Department of Finance and Administration approval.

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

Establishes performance targets for FY2026 including 65,000 disability determinations, 2,075 blind and visually impaired persons served, 15,075 vocational rehabilitation clients served, and 1,050 spinal cord and head injury program clients served.

Directs continued funding for up to 4,100 slots in Home and Community Based Waiver programs for Independent Living and Spinal Cord/Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver programs at or above FY2025 appropriated amounts.