HB1264
An Act For The University Of Arkansas - Fort Smith Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill, House Bill 1264 of the 95th General Assembly of Arkansas, outlines appropriations for the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It establishes maximum numbers and salary rates for various regular employee positions, ranging from administrative roles like Chancellor and Vice Chancellors to academic positions such as Professors and Instructors, as well as support staff and auxiliary enterprises. The bill also authorizes a maximum number of "Extra Help" employees, defined as part-time or temporary staff. Significant appropriations are detailed for both state operations and cash funds, covering regular salaries, extra help, personal services matching, maintenance and general operations, and other expenses including capital improvements and debt service. The legislation mandates strict compliance with various state fiscal control laws and regulations during the disbursement of these funds. It also states legislative intent that fund disbursements align with documented justifications for the bill's adoption.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith itself, in terms of its operational budget and ability to fund personnel and various expenses. This includes current and prospective employees of the university across administrative, academic, and support staff roles, who would be compensated within the established salary structures. Students at the university could also indirectly benefit from the continued operation and potential expansion of programs and services supported by these appropriations. Furthermore, contractors and vendors who provide services, equipment, or professional expertise to the university would likely benefit from the allocated funds for maintenance, general operations, and capital improvements.
Who Might Suffer?
This bill does not directly identify any groups or entities that would be negatively impacted. However, in a broader sense, any fiscal constraints or priorities that led to this specific allocation of funds, rather than other potential uses of state resources, could be viewed as indirectly impacting other state entities or public services that did not receive similar funding. Additionally, if the appropriated funds are insufficient to meet all operational needs or if there are unforeseen expenditure increases, the university's ability to maintain services or compensation levels could be strained, potentially impacting faculty, staff, or students negatively due to budget shortfalls. Taxpayers are always impacted by the allocation of public funds, and the effectiveness and efficiency of the university's spending would determine the value derived from this appropriation.