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MississippiHB 19212026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Appropriation; Rehabilitation Services, Department of.

Sponsored By: Clay Deweese (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Appropriations CAppropriations AAppropriations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

FY2027 funding for disability services

For FY2027, the law funds the Department of Rehabilitation Services with about $265.24 million. It includes $33.78 million from the General Fund and $227.78 million from special funds. Of that, $3.68 million comes from the Health Care Expendable Fund. The law also sets aside $2.83 million to match federal funds and bring in more federal dollars. This money keeps rehabilitation, blind services, and other help running statewide.

Home-care waivers and supports funded

The law keeps funding at or above last year for up to 4,100 Home and Community Based waiver slots. It provides $854,903 for Independent Living and State Attendant Care. It provides $1,563,039 for the Spinal Cord & Head Injury Trust. This protects help that lets people with disabilities live at home and supports family caregivers.

Disability service goals and reporting

The law sets clear FY2027 service goals. Examples: 65,000 disability determinations in about 125 days; 15,100 vocational rehab clients served with 2,565 rehabilitated; 2,100 blind clients served with 315 rehabilitated. The agency must report its results with the FY2028 budget request.

DRS staffing caps and hiring rules

For FY2027, the law caps Personal Services at $62.81 million ($10.78 million General Fund and $52.03 million special funds). Salaries, wages, and fringe cannot exceed $59.67 million, and vacancy funding is $3.14 million. It authorizes 828 permanent and 212 time‑limited positions. The Department cannot shift payroll funds to other uses, raise pay or add positions without required approvals, or replace lost federal funds with these state dollars.

News access and quality for blind

The law funds up to $100,000 for the National Federation of the Blind newsline. Blind and visually impaired residents get toll-free access to newspapers. It also allows up to $500 (plus match) to keep the blind vocational rehabilitation office accredited. These steps support access to information and quality services.

Buying preference for Blind Industries

When two bids are equal, or when buying without bids, the Department gives preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind. This helps that enterprise win contracts and support jobs for blind workers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Clay Deweese

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Richard Bennett

    Republican • House

  • Sam Creekmore IV

    House

  • Becky Currie

    Republican • House

  • Missy McGee

    Republican • House

  • Carl L. Mickens

    Democratic • House

  • John Read

    Republican • House

  • Omeria Scott

    Democratic • House

  • Jerry R. Turner

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 344 • No: 0

House vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 121 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 51 • No: 0

House vote • 2/19/2026

Passed

Yes: 122 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    4/6/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/1/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/1/2026House

  4. Conference Report Adopted

    3/29/2026Senate

  5. Conference Report Adopted

    3/29/2026House

  6. Conference Report Filed

    3/27/2026Senate

  7. Conference Report Filed

    3/27/2026House

  8. Conferees Named Hopson,Blackwell,Simmons (13th)

    3/19/2026Senate

  9. Conferees Named Deweese,Cockerham,Creekmore IV

    3/19/2026House

  10. Decline to Concur/Invite Conf

    3/18/2026House

  11. Returned For Concurrence

    3/13/2026Senate

  12. Passed As Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  13. Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  14. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  15. Referred To Appropriations

    2/27/2026Senate

  16. Transmitted To Senate

    2/20/2026House

  17. Passed

    2/19/2026House

  18. Title Suff Do Pass

    2/18/2026House

  19. DR - TSDP: AP To A2

    2/18/2026House

  20. DR - TSDP: A2 To AP

    2/17/2026House

  21. Referred To Appropriations C;Appropriations A

    2/16/2026House

Bill Text

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