Human Resources, Department of - As introduced, urges the department to allocate a minimum of $16,000 annually in vocational rehabilitation funds for the purpose of supporting accessible information services for blind persons in this state. - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 71.

HB 1653 requires Tennessee's Department of Human Services to allocate a minimum of $16,000 annually from vocational rehabilitation funds specifically for accessible information services supporting blind residents. This includes maintaining access to the National Federation of the Blind newsline and related services that help blind Tennesseans access education, employment, and civic participation. The bill mandates that these funds must be used to maintain existing services and support outreach activities like consumer education and employer engagement. It aims to restore stability after past funding disruptions by creating a clear annual funding requirement for these critical services.