Senate Bill 1621, also known as House Bill 1653, amends Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance the provision of accessible information services for blind individuals through the Department of Human Services. The bill emphasizes the importance of access to printed materials as essential for education, employment, and economic independence for blind persons. It aims to restore clarity, stability, and accountability in funding these services, which have faced disruptions due to administrative inconsistencies. The bill mandates that the Department allocate a minimum of $16,000 annually from vocational rehabilitation funds to support these services, which include the National Federation of the Blind newsline.

Additionally, the bill outlines that the allocated funds can be used to maintain access to these services and to support outreach, training, and marketing activities aimed at increasing the utilization of vocational rehabilitation services. These activities may encompass consumer education, emergency services, and assistance for clients in using accessible information tools for employment. The Department is also required to maintain documentation of funding sources related to these services. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.