Arkansas Bills

HB 1044 authorizes funding for the Arkansas Court of Appeals for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, making it an operational budget bill rather than a policy change. The legislation sets the maximum number of full-time and temporary staff positions, including roles such as attorneys, clerks, and administrative assistants, totaling up to 49 regular employees. It appropriates approximately $6.6 million from the State Central Services Fund to cover salaries, operating expenses, legal counsel fees, and other necessary court costs. Once enacted as Act 45, the funds must be spent in compliance with existing state financial laws and budget procedures.

HB 1047 appropriates state funds to cover the operating expenses and salaries for the Arkansas Northeastern College during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The legislation establishes specific maximum numbers of regular employees and sets salary rates for various administrative, academic, IT, and support positions within the college. Once enacted as Act 48, this bill authorizes the college to hire staff up to the defined limits and pay them the listed wages for the upcoming year.

HB 1019 establishes the maximum number of regular employees and their corresponding salary rates for Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill directly affects the college by authorizing funding for positions across administrative, IT, academic, and public safety departments, with specific caps on staff counts and annual pay limits for each role. By setting these numerical and financial boundaries, the legislation ensures the college operates within the state's approved budget for that year. Once enacted as Act 30, the bill provides the legal framework for hiring and compensation at the institution.

HB 1021 provides funding for the Arkansas State University - Mid-South for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill establishes the maximum number of regular employees and their corresponding annual salary rates for various administrative, academic, and support positions. Once enacted, the legislation sets the budgetary limits for staffing and compensation at the university for the specified period.

HB 1026 authorizes funding for the Arkansas State University - Mountain Home for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to cover salaries and operating expenses. The bill establishes the maximum number of regular employees and their corresponding salary rates across various departments, including administration, information technology, student services, and facilities. Once enacted as Act 33, this legislation sets the budgetary framework for the university's operations for the upcoming year.

HB 1067 provides funding for the Arkansas State University - Arkansas Biosciences Institute for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill authorizes the hiring of up to 43 employees and allocates $5,643,838 for salaries, operating expenses, and capital outlays. Funds are drawn from the Tobacco Settlement Program Fund, with restrictions on using state money to replace those funds if they expire. The legislation also allows the institute to transfer money between budget categories with oversight from state officials.

HB 1003 authorizes funding for the Arkansas House of Representatives staff for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, covering salaries, operations, and technology expenses. The bill establishes specific employee positions and budgets for the House staff, member services, and information technology departments, totaling approximately $2.29 million. It also allocates $50,000 to support members attending legislative orientation and briefing meetings before sessions begin. This legislation provides the necessary financial resources to maintain the daily operations and administrative functions of the state legislature.

This law allocates $25,000 each to city and county animal rescue shelters in Arkansas for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funds come from the Animal Rescue and Shelter Trust Fund and can be used for staffing, construction, maintenance, and daily operations of government-owned shelters. The bill requires that all spending follows state rules on procurement and budgeting. It takes effect on July 1, 2026, and is now an official state act.

HB 1025 allocates state funds for the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope-Texarkana for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill establishes specific salary rates and maximum employee counts for various administrative, academic, and support positions, including roles in IT, student affairs, and public safety. This legislation directly affects the college's budget and staffing levels by setting the financial parameters for hiring and paying employees during the upcoming year.

HB 1042 authorizes funding for the Arkansas Legislative Audit of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill establishes a budget of approximately $50 million to cover salaries for 296 regular employees, temporary staff, and various operating expenses like travel and professional fees. Once signed into law as Act 43, these funds will be used to maintain the agency's ability to conduct audits and support its administrative functions.

HB 1039 authorizes funding for the National Park College in Arkansas for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill establishes specific salary rates and maximum employee counts for various administrative and operational positions, including roles in IT, finance, student services, and academic leadership. Once enacted, this legislation sets the budgetary framework for the college's personnel expenses for that year.

HB 1012 authorizes funding for the Arkansas State Claims Commission for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to cover its operating expenses and employee salaries. The bill allocates approximately $764,000 for staff wages and operational costs, including up to 10 regular employees such as a director and commissioners. Additionally, it provides a $2.25 million appropriation to pay claims awarded to the surviving spouses and dependent children of state employees killed in the line of duty, as well as to settle smaller controversial and non-controversial claims. The legislation also includes an $8,000 allocation for the Firefighter Benefit Review Panel and establishes compliance requirements for all fund disbursements.