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H 460

APPROPRIATIONS – DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION – Relates to the appropriation to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 460 boosts funding for Vocational Rehabilitation, enhancing services for the deaf and hard of hearing, and prioritizing support for individuals with significant disabilities.

Reported Signed by Governor on April 3, 2025 Session Law Chapter 285 Effective: 04/03/2025 SECTION 2; 07/01/2025 SECTION 1 & 3-6
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Bill Summary · H 460

Summary of House Bill 460: Appropriations for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Bill Overview

Bill Number: H 460
Title: Appropriations – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Status: Signed by Governor on April 3, 2025
Effective Dates:
- Section 2: April 3, 2025
- Sections 1 & 3-6: July 1, 2025
Introduced: March 26, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Appropriations, Vocational Rehabilitation

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 460 aims to enhance funding for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The bill specifically focuses on providing additional resources for interpreter services for the Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, as well as ensuring the state can access federal grant funding to support client services.

Key Provisions

  1. Appropriations:

    • FY 2026: An additional $35,000 from the General Fund for operating expenditures related to interpreter services.
    • FY 2025: A one-time supplemental appropriation of $4,400,000 from the General Fund, which includes:
      • $2,700,000 for a federal grant match to access $10,000,000 in federal funds.
      • $1,700,000 for client services that are ineligible for federal reimbursement.

  2. Use of Funds:

    • Up to 17% of the funds appropriated from the Federal Grant Fund may be used for pre-employment transition services.

  3. Service Prioritization:

    • In cases where the number of eligible individuals exceeds available funding, priority will be given to those with the most significant disabilities.

  4. Reporting Requirements:

    • The DVR must submit two reports to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee by December 15, 2025, and June 15, 2026. These reports will detail contracts with community rehabilitation providers, including regions served and contract initiation dates.

  5. Conditions and Limitations:

    • The appropriations are subject to specific conditions, limitations, and restrictions outlined in the bill.

Impact

This bill is expected to significantly enhance the operational capacity of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, particularly in supporting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The additional funding will facilitate access to vital services and ensure that the state can leverage federal resources effectively. The prioritization of services for individuals with significant disabilities aims to address the needs of the most vulnerable populations within the community.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 26, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.
  • April 1, 2025: Passed in the House with a vote of 49-20-1.
  • April 2, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House for enrollment.
  • April 3, 2025: Signed by the Governor and became law.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of House Bill 460, detailing its purpose, provisions, and expected impact on the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the communities it serves.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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