SENATE APPROVES CARROLL’S BILL TO IMPROVE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 19, 2025)—The Senate has approved Senate Bill (SB) 103, sponsored by Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah. The bill aims to improve transparency and accountability within the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to better serve individuals with disabilities.
“Kentucky currently ranks 48th in the nation in employment disparity for individuals with disabilities, and that is entirely unacceptable,” said Carroll. “As a father of a daughter with special needs and the CEO of Easterseals West Kentucky, I have long advocated for greater opportunities and support for those with disabilities. I believe this bill will ensure OVR is more transparent, accountable, and effective in achieving its mission of helping Kentuckians with disabilities gain independence and meaningful employment.”
SB 103 requires the OVR executive director to establish a preference for in-state services, so long as the preference does not effectively deny an individual a necessary service that may be available outside of Kentucky. This provision will ensure Kentucky-based service providers are prioritized before seeking out-of-state contracts to support local businesses and keep vital services within the state.
Additionally, the bill requires clear service fee regulations to ensure consistency and fairness, and help prevent arbitrary cost structures that could hinder access to necessary services. The proposal establishes an annual reporting requirement for OVR to enhance oversight and compel the agency to submit a comprehensive review of its operations and finances to the governor. This measure will provide greater accountability and guide future improvements in the state's vocational rehabilitation services.
“By strengthening oversight and ensuring in-state providers are prioritized, SB 103 reinforces Kentucky’s commitment to increasing job opportunities and independence for individuals with disabilities,” Carroll added. “With the Senate’s approval, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to see this important legislation enacted. I appreciate all my colleagues' support.”
SB 103 now heads to the Kentucky House of Representatives for consideration.
Find the bill online here.
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Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, represents the 2nd Senate District, including Ballard, Carlisle, Livingston, Marshall, and McCracken Counties. He serves as chair of the Senate Families and Children Committee. Sen. Carroll is also a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Health Services Committee, and the Senate Education Committee. Additionally, he is a Legislative Oversight and Investigations Statutory Committee member and serves as an ex officio (non-voting) Juvenile Justice Oversight Council member.
For a high-resolution .jpeg of Carroll, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate102.jpg.
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