Appropriates $28,306,100 to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for fiscal year 2019; limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 154.00; prohibits certain transfers; requires a report; and reappropriates certain unexpended and unencumbered balances.

This is the FY 2019 original appropriation bill for the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. It appropriates $28,306,100 and caps the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions at 154.00. For benefit costs, the bill removes $1,450 per eligible FTP to bring the annual employer contribution for health insurance down to $11,650 by including a two-month employee and employer premium holiday, adds a 6.8% increase for life insurance, and adjusts funding for workers' compensation in amounts that vary by agency. Funding for replacement items includes $103,900 to replace computers, video conference displays, and battery systems. For statewide cost allocation, an increase of $9,900 is provided, as Attorney General fees will increase by $10,800, risk management costs will decrease by $900, State Controller fees will increase by $1,400, and State Treasurer fees will decrease by $1,400. This bill also provides funding for a 3% ongoing merit-based salary increase for permanent employees, to be distributed at the discretion of the agency head. This bill funds two line items: 0.50 FTP and $48,700 for a community outreach coordinator for the Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; and 1.00 FTP and $61,500 for a social security reimbursement coordinator for the vocational rehabilitation program. This bill also provides legislative intent for: program and object transfers within trustee and benefit payments for Extended Employment Services; provider rate review and a report to the legislature on the findings of the review; and reappropriation authority.