HB1174
An Act For The Department Of Corrections - Division Of Correction Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes an appropriation for the Arkansas Department of Corrections - Division of Correction for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It outlines specific line-item appropriations for various functions, including personal services, operating expenses, and inmate care and custody. The bill details the maximum number of regular employees and their salary grades for different divisions and shared services within the Department of Corrections. It also includes provisions for "Extra Help" employees. A significant portion of the appropriation is allocated to "Medical Contracts" and "Maintenance & General Operation" expenses. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds for "County Jail Reimbursement" to offset costs for counties housing state inmates. The total amount appropriated across various sections is substantial, reflecting the operational costs of the correctional system. The overall purpose is to provide the necessary financial resources for the department's operations during the specified fiscal year. The bill defines the budget for salaries, matching funds, overtime, and general operating expenses.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill, if enacted, would be the Arkansas Department of Corrections and its employees, who would receive funding for their salaries, benefits, and operational needs. The state's correctional system as a whole would benefit from the allocated funds to maintain its infrastructure and services. Counties that house state inmates would likely benefit from the "County Jail Reimbursement" appropriation, alleviating some of their financial burden. Additionally, vendors and service providers contracted by the Department of Corrections, particularly those providing medical services, would be direct financial beneficiaries.
Who Might Suffer?
This bill, being an appropriation measure, does not directly negatively impact any specific groups or entities in the way that a regulatory or punitive bill might. However, indirectly, any inefficiencies or mismanagement within the Department of Corrections that lead to the misallocation or wasteful spending of these funds could be seen as a negative outcome for the state's taxpayers. Furthermore, if the appropriations are insufficient to meet the actual needs of the correctional system, it could negatively impact the working conditions of correctional staff or the living conditions of inmates due to resource constraints.