Bill Summaries: H998 INDEPENDENT LIVING ACT.

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  • Summary date: Apr 26 2019 - View Summary

    Enacts new GS Chapter 168B, North Carolina Independent Living Act, which provides as follows.

    Creates the 24-member Statewide Independent Living Council (Council) within the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, to develop, approve, and submit to the appropriate federal agency the State Plan for Independent Living Services (State Plan) every three years, and to monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the State Plan. Sets out additional duties. Requires the Council to hold its first meeting by May 1, 2020.  

    Requires the State Plan to direct the use of federal funds provided under the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and any State funds appropriated to the Council for independent living services. Requires the State Plan, and each amendment to it, to address the priorities in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to establish a statewide program of independent living services and a network of independent living centers. Specifies that any individual with a significant disability, as defined in the State Plan, is eligible for services under the Article (intends under the Chapter). Requires the Council to submit the State Plan, as amended, to the specified NCGA committee and division annually on July 1, to include the current State Plan for the preceding year, amendments to that State Plan, and outcome data. 

    Requires the federal and State funds granted and appropriated to the Council to be administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, to implement the State Plan, including the seven specified components, which include funding and operation of independent living centers in this state, independent living services to eligible individuals with disabilities, and training for individuals with disabilities. 

    Appropriates $100,000 in recurring funds for 2019-20 and for 2020-21 from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, to be allocated to the Council for implement the State Plan and the act. 

    Requires the North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council, Inc., to continue until the Governor makes all appointments under this act and all assets of the nonprofit corporation are transferred. The current State Plan for Independent Living continues in full force and effect until a new State Plan is submitted, approved, and adopted by the Council formed under the act.

    Effective July 1, 2019.