This bill proposes prohibiting digital asset miners in Arkansas from using computers or software developed by specific foreign entities, including those from China and Russia. The law defines these restricted entities as those on U.S. government screening lists, those domiciled in China or Russia, or any subsidiaries controlled by them. If a miner violates this rule, they face a Class A misdemeanor charge for a first offense and a Class D felony for subsequent violations. Ultimately, the bill did not become law as it died in committee before the end of the legislative session.
This bill, now enacted as Act 143, updates Arkansas' Revenue Stabilization Law to establish a fixed distribution plan for state general revenues starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It requires the State Treasurer to transfer all available general revenue to various state funds and accounts each month, beginning in July 2026. The law sets specific maximum dollar amounts for over 50 different programs, including public schools, human services, corrections, and economic development, ensuring these entities receive a predetermined share of the state's income. By codifying these allocation limits, the legislation creates a stable funding framework that applies to all future fiscal years without needing new legislation to adjust the amounts.
This bill provides funding for the Department of Agriculture's promotion boards for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It also allows the state's Chief Fiscal Officer to waive certain mandatory fund deductions for specific agricultural revenue collections and fee structures during that same period. These financial adjustments apply only to the designated fiscal year and require notification to state financial officials. The legislation does not alter the underlying laws governing these funds but modifies how fees are collected in this instance.
This bill appropriates funds for the Arkansas Department of Public Safety for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It authorizes the hiring of one additional IT Security Analyst and establishes a specific fund to manage revenues collected at Camp Robinson. The law requires that money generated at this facility be tracked separately and used exclusively for maintaining the department's buildings there. The measure also includes a provision stating that these rules will not become permanent state code but will apply only for the duration of the fiscal year.
Senate Bill 73 provides an additional $10 million in funding to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission's Community Assistance Grant Program for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. These funds are drawn from the General Revenue Allotment Reserve and are intended to supplement existing money already allocated for community assistance grants. The bill includes standard provisions ensuring that the money is spent in accordance with state laws and budget procedures. It was signed into law as Act 141 to ensure the department can continue providing essential services without delay.
This bill, which did not advance beyond committee, would update Arkansas laws to regulate digital asset mining businesses and clarify the authority of local governments. It requires mining operations to comply with existing state and local rules, pay all applicable taxes, and use specific noise-reduction techniques like liquid cooling or fully enclosed equipment. The legislation also prohibits local governments from banning home mining, requiring permits for it, or imposing stricter noise limits on mining than on other data centers.
HB 1080 proposes to allocate $20 million from the state's General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund to the Jonesboro Human Development Center for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. These funds are designated for Phase 2 of a master plan aimed at planning, demolishing, constructing, renovating, and upgrading facilities for the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services. The bill includes standard provisions requiring compliance with state procurement and budget laws, as well as an emergency clause to ensure funding is available starting July 1, 2026. Although the legislation was introduced, it did not advance beyond the House Budget Committee before the session ended.
HB 1018 provides funding for the University of Arkansas East Arkansas Community College for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill also updates the title of the college's chief executive from President to Chancellor. Once enacted as Act 122, these changes will take effect for the specified fiscal year.
This bill authorizes funding and staffing for the Arkansas Department of Commerce and its Economic Development Commission for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It establishes specific maximum numbers of regular employees for various roles, including executive leadership, economic development specialists, and administrative staff, while also permitting the hiring of temporary workers as needed. The legislation appropriates approximately $6.8 million for the main department to cover salaries, benefits, and operating expenses, with additional funds allocated for the economic development commission. Once signed into law, these provisions will determine the budget and workforce size for the state agencies responsible for promoting commerce and economic growth.
HB 1099 proposes to allocate $110,000 from the state's General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund to the Department of Human Services for a grant to Special Olympics. The funds are intended to support athletes from the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services in participating in the national Special Olympics competition during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The bill includes standard provisions requiring compliance with state procurement and budget laws, as well as an emergency clause to ensure the money is available starting July 1, 2026. Although the legislation was introduced in the 2026 session, it did not advance beyond the House committee before the legislative session ended.
This bill amends the 2026-2027 budget for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture by increasing its allocated funding. Specifically, it raises the total appropriation from $83,285,395 to $87,285,395, with corresponding adjustments to specific line items within the budget. The change directly affects the financial resources available to the Division of Agriculture for the upcoming fiscal year. Once enacted, the bill becomes Act 136 and is delivered to the Governor for signature.
This bill, now enacted as Act 144, establishes a new method for distributing state general revenues in Arkansas starting in fiscal year 2026-2027. It requires the State Treasurer to transfer all available funds to various government accounts, including those for public schools, human services, and state agencies, based on specific maximum dollar amounts set for each. The legislation creates a total allocation of approximately $6.6 billion to be distributed monthly according to these fixed proportions. By declaring an emergency, the bill ensures these new distribution rules take immediate effect without further legislative delay.
