This bill proposes creating a new state fund called the Equal Distribution County Turnback Fund to provide additional money to Arkansas counties. The fund would be financed by taking $150 million from certain state tax revenues each year, which would then be distributed as $2 million to every county. Counties receiving these funds would be required to use 90% for infrastructure projects like roads and water systems, and 10% for fire protection, law enforcement, or community projects. The bill did not pass the Senate before the legislative session ended.
HB 1020 authorizes funding for the Arkansas Department of Transportation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, specifically covering salaries and operating expenses. The bill establishes specific job titles, the maximum number of employees for each role, and the corresponding annual salary limits for the department. It also designates that certain positions are exempt from the state's Uniform Classification and Compensation Act while remaining subject to other salary procedures. Once enacted, this legislation will allow the Arkansas State Highway Commission to hire and pay staff within these defined financial constraints.
This bill authorizes funding for the Arkansas Department of Commerce's Division of Aeronautics for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It allocates approximately $16.5 million in state funds to cover salaries for six specific employees, general operating expenses, and grants for cities and counties, while also setting aside $12 million for federal airport grant expenses. The legislation establishes the maximum number of staff positions and outlines how the money can be spent on items like professional fees, travel, and airport-related projects. By becoming Act 3, the bill ensures the division can continue its operations immediately starting July 1, 2026, without interruption.
This bill authorizes the introduction of a new law to create the Equal Distribution County Turnback Fund, which would provide additional money to Arkansas counties. The fund would be financed by directing the first $150 million of certain state tax revenues each year into this specific account. Once the fund reaches a balance of $150 million, the state treasurer would distribute $2 million to every county in the state. Counties receiving these funds must use 90% of the money for infrastructure projects like roads and water systems, while the remaining 10% must support fire departments, law enforcement, or community projects. The bill also includes an emergency clause to allow the law to take effect quickly, though it has not yet been enacted as it died in committee.
This bill, enacted as Act 53, provides funding for the Arkansas Department of Education's Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It authorizes the hiring of up to 32 regular employees and five temporary staff members to manage school facilities and transportation operations. The legislation appropriates approximately $3.07 million for salaries and operational expenses, while allocating over $215 million in grants for academic facilities and catastrophic repairs. Additionally, the act grants the department authority to transfer specific loan program funds and allows for limited budget adjustments to ensure efficient use of resources.
HB 1046 provides funding for the Arkansas Waterways Commission within the Department of Commerce for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill authorizes approximately $335,324 to cover salaries for three key staff members and general operating expenses, while also allocating $5 million for waterway development grants and $2 million for Arkansas River Navigation System improvements. These funds are intended to support the commission's operations, port development projects, and river transportation resources in compliance with state budget laws.
