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.

SB 1621 requires Tennessee's Department of Human Services to allocate a minimum of $16,000 annually from vocational rehabilitation funds to support accessible information services for blind residents. This includes maintaining access to services like the National Federation of the Blind newsline, which provides critical resources for employment and education. The bill mandates that these funds be used to sustain existing accessible information programs and support outreach activities, such as consumer education and employer engagement. It also requires the department to document funding sources and ensures the funds can draw down federal matching dollars. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.