HB1127
An Act For The Department Of Education - Arkansas State Library Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill makes appropriations for personal services and operating expenses for the Department of Education - Arkansas State Library for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It establishes the maximum number of regular employees and authorizes extra help for both state and federal operations. The bill appropriates specific amounts for regular salaries, extra help, personal services matching, maintenance and general operations, and books and subscriptions for state operations. It also appropriates funds for personal services, extra help, personal services matching, maintenance and general operations, and capital outlay for federal operations. Additionally, it allocates a significant amount for aid to public libraries and smaller sums for grants administration and revolving funds. A special language section allows for the carry-forward of unexpended funds for books and subscriptions under specific conditions. Another special language section directs the Arkansas State Library to review and modify standards for state aid to public libraries to accommodate rural communities lacking the ability to maintain a one-mill property tax. The bill also includes standard clauses regarding compliance with other laws, legislative intent, and declares an emergency for its immediate effectiveness.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
["The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the Department of Education - Arkansas State Library itself, as it receives appropriations to fund its operations, staff, and programs for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This includes funding for regular salaries, extra help, and various operating expenses for both state and federal operations. Public libraries across Arkansas are also direct beneficiaries, particularly through the significant appropriation for 'Aid to Public Libraries.' Furthermore, rural public libraries in Arkansas stand to benefit from the directive to review and modify eligibility standards for state aid, potentially opening up access to funding for those unable to meet the current one-mill property tax requirement.", "The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the Department of Education - Arkansas State Library itself, as it receives appropriations to fund its operations, staff, and programs for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This includes funding for regular salaries, extra help, and various operating expenses for both state and federal operations. Public libraries across Arkansas are also direct beneficiaries, particularly through the significant appropriation for 'Aid to Public Libraries.' Furthermore, rural public libraries in Arkansas stand to benefit from the directive to review and modify eligibility standards for state aid, potentially opening up access to funding for those unable to meet the current one-mill property tax requirement."]
Who Might Suffer?
['The bill does not explicitly identify groups or entities that would be negatively impacted. However, by potentially modifying the criteria for state aid to public libraries, the bill could indirectly affect entities that benefit from the current, stricter standards if those standards are eased, potentially leading to a redistribution of funds. Also, the carry-forward provision, while allowing for flexibility, imposes reporting requirements and oversight from the Department of Finance and Administration and the Legislative Council, which could be seen as an increased administrative burden on the State Library. Taxpayers of Arkansas are indirectly impacted as they fund state appropriations, but the bill focuses on the allocation of existing or designated funds rather than new taxation.']