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Unknown Sponsorship

HB1087

An Act For The Department Of Energy And Environment - Oil And Gas Commission Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.

Passed

AI-Generated Summary

This bill appropriates funds for the Department of Energy and Environment, specifically for the Oil and Gas Commission and the Office of the State Geologist, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It outlines the maximum number of regular employees and authorizes the use of temporary "Extra Help" for both entities. The bill details specific appropriations for personal services, operating expenses, maintenance, professional fees, capital outlay, data processing, pollution control, refunds, reimbursements, and specialized programs like well plugging, geologic mapping, and landslide/sinkhole research. The Office of the State Geologist also receives appropriations for map resale and museum expenses. The legislation emphasizes compliance with existing fiscal control laws and legislative intent. An emergency clause declares the act necessary for immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety, setting its effective date to July 1, 2025.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

['The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the Department of Energy and Environment, encompassing its Oil and Gas Commission and the Office of the State Geologist, as it provides the necessary funding for their operations, personnel, and specific programs for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. State employees within these departments, including geologists, engineers, analysts, administrative staff, and technicians, will benefit from the appropriations for regular salaries and extra help. Additionally, the public may indirectly benefit from the regulatory, research, and conservation activities funded by these appropriations, such as well plugging, geological mapping, and groundwater protection efforts. Vendors and service providers contracted by these state agencies will also benefit from the allocated funds for operating expenses, professional fees, and data processing services.']

Who Might Suffer?

['This bill primarily deals with the allocation of state funds and does not appear to directly and negatively impact specific groups or entities in a way that would be readily identifiable from the text. Potential indirect negative impacts could arise if the appropriations are deemed insufficient for the mandated tasks, potentially leading to service delays or reduced program effectiveness for the public. Furthermore, if the funding sources are derived from taxes or fees that are increased to cover these appropriations, those paying those taxes or fees could be negatively impacted. However, the bill itself focuses on appropriation and does not introduce new taxes or fees, nor does it seem to impose new regulatory burdens on specific industries or the general public.']

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us