EMPLOYMENT AND INDEPENDENCE ACT.

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View NCGA Bill Details2023-2024 Session
Senate Bill 404 (Public) Filed Wednesday, March 29, 2023
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO THE COMMUNITY COLLEGES SYSTEM OFFICE FOR A VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PILOT PROGRAM.
Intro. by Lee, Krawiec, Grafstein.

Status: Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate (Senate action) (Mar 30 2023)
S 404

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Mar 29 2023 - View Summary

    Requires the State Board of Community Colleges (Board) to establish the Vocational Rehabilitation Pilot Program (Program) for the academic years spanning from 2023-2024 to 2025-2026.  Specifies that the Program’s purpose is to provide support services to community college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to help the students reach their goals for employment and independence without duplicating the existing vocational support network.  Sets forth an application process for community colleges to participate in the Program.  Requires the Board to contract with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Services to place student counselors at select community colleges in the State. Permits appropriated funds to be used to meet any applicable federal matching requirements for student counselors and for costs related to Program administration.  

    For every year the Program operates, requires the Board, in consultation with DVR, to report on the impact of the Program on the participants including (1) participants’ mental health and wellbeing and (2) job placement. Specifies that the first report is due by no later than March 15, 2024.  Appropriates $750,000 in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund to the Community Colleges Systems Office for the 2023-2024 fiscal year to implement the Program. Specifies that the funds will not revert at the end of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, but instead remain available until the end of the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

    Effective July 1, 2023.