HB1107
An Act For The Department Of Human Services - Division Of County Operations Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill appropriates funds for the Department of Human Services (DHS) - Division of County Operations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It outlines the maximum number of regular and extra help employees for the division, detailing specific positions and their classifications. The bill also specifies appropriations for various categories, including regular salaries, extra help, personal services matching, overtime, maintenance and general operations, and data processing services. Additionally, it details appropriations for specific grant programs such as Aid to Aged, Blind, Disabled, TANF Block Grant, Community Service Block Grant, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Hunger Coalition, Medicaid Tobacco Settlement Program, Emergency Rental Assistance, and Summer EBT. A significant provision involves the transfer of $7,500,000 from the TANF block grant to the Department of Education for the Arkansas Better Chance Program, with stipulations for adjustments based on federal funding changes. The bill also includes language regarding potential restrictions on TANF financial assistance and electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cash withdrawals, contingent on federal government waiver approval. Finally, it emphasizes compliance with existing fiscal control laws and legislative intent for fund disbursement.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the employees of the Department of Human Services - Division of County Operations, who will receive salaries and benefits as appropriated. The bill also directly benefits recipients of various assistance programs, including those receiving Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled, TANF, SNAP, and Emergency Rental Assistance, as well as participants in the Summer EBT program. Furthermore, the Arkansas Better Chance Program, administered by the Department of Education, will receive a substantial transfer of funds. Various vendors and service providers contracted by the DHS for maintenance, general operations, and data processing services will also benefit from the allocated funds.
Who Might Suffer?
Individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program benefits could potentially be negatively impacted if the Department of Human Services successfully obtains a federal waiver to restrict the types of goods and services that can be purchased with these funds, or if cash withdrawals from EBT cards are restricted. Additionally, if the state match or federal TANF grant is reduced, the amount transferred to the Arkansas Better Chance Program could be proportionally decreased, potentially impacting that program's resources. The employees of the DHS Division of County Operations, while receiving appropriations, could face limitations on their operational flexibility or be subject to potential future staffing adjustments if program needs or funding streams change significantly due to the provisions within this bill or subsequent legislative actions.