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HB1003

An Act For The Arkansas House Of Representatives - Staff Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.

Passed

AI-Generated Summary

This bill, House Bill 1003, makes appropriations for the personal services and operating expenses of the Arkansas House of Representatives for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It establishes maximum numbers of regular employees and authorizes "Extra Help" positions for various House staff roles, including administrative, legislative, and information technology support. The bill also appropriates funds for the Institute of Legislative Procedure, House Legislative Orientation, and other briefing meetings for members. Additionally, it allocates funds for House Select Committee expenses, including per diem, expenses, and mileage for members. The bill includes provisions for reappropriation of balances from previous fiscal years and outlines special language regarding fund usage, transfer authority, salary flexibility, and the use of audio/visual materials produced by the House. It emphasizes compliance with fiscal control laws and states legislative intent for the disbursement of funds. An emergency clause is included to ensure the act takes effect on July 1, 2025, deeming it necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

['The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the staff members of the Arkansas House of Representatives, including those in regular, extra help, and supplemental positions, as their salaries and related expenses are funded. Members of the House of Representatives will also benefit from appropriations for per diem, mileage, and expenses related to legislative orientation, briefing meetings, and select committee activities. The Arkansas House of Representatives as an institution will benefit from appropriations for operating expenses, maintenance, and information technology, which support its overall functions and legislative processes. Taxpayers in Arkansas are indirectly beneficiaries as the bill ensures the operational capacity of the legislative branch of state government.', 'The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the staff members of the Arkansas House of Representatives, including those in regular, extra help, and supplemental positions, as their salaries and related expenses are funded. Members of the House of Representatives will also benefit from appropriations for per diem, mileage, and expenses related to legislative orientation, briefing meetings, and select committee activities. The Arkansas House of Representatives as an institution will benefit from appropriations for operating expenses, maintenance, and information technology, which support its overall functions and legislative processes. Taxpayers in Arkansas are indirectly beneficiaries as the bill ensures the operational capacity of the legislative branch of state government.']

Who Might Suffer?

['The entities negatively impacted by this bill are primarily the taxpayers of Arkansas, as the bill appropriates state funds, ultimately derived from taxpayer money, for the operation of the House of Representatives. While not directly harmed, entities or individuals who might have benefited from alternative uses of these funds could be considered indirectly impacted. The bill also places restrictions on the use of audio/visual materials produced by the House, prohibiting their use for political or commercial advertising, which could negatively impact individuals or groups wishing to utilize such materials for those specific purposes. Furthermore, the special language allowing for salary increases up to 20% above maximum levels and promotions could potentially lead to perceptions of inequity among staff not receiving such adjustments.']

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us