HB1262
An Act For The Arkansas State University - Arkansas Biosciences Institute Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill appropriates funds for the Arkansas State University - Arkansas Biosciences Institute for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It outlines specific positions and their maximum salary rates, totaling 43 employees. The appropriation includes funds for regular salaries, extra help, personal services matching, maintenance and general operations, and capital outlay. The total amount appropriated is $5,643,838. The bill includes special language regarding transfer restrictions, allowing institutions flexibility in transferring appropriations between line items with approval from the Division of Higher Education, Chief Fiscal Officer, and the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee. It also clarifies that state funds will not replace Tobacco Settlement funds if they become insufficient and requires disclosure of this policy to employees. The bill emphasizes compliance with state fiscal laws and legislative intent.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
['The Arkansas State University - Arkansas Biosciences Institute will directly benefit from the appropriated funds, which will cover personal services and operating expenses for the upcoming fiscal year. Employees of the institute, including administrative staff, research personnel, and skilled trades, will benefit from salary allocations and the continued operation of their positions. The institute itself will be able to maintain and potentially expand its operations and research activities due to this financial allocation. Furthermore, the flexibility in transferring appropriations may allow the institute to manage its resources more effectively to meet its operational needs.']
Who Might Suffer?
["While the bill primarily focuses on appropriation, potential negative impacts could arise from the funding source and its sustainability. Section 5 of the bill explicitly states that there is no commitment to continue funding positions paid from Tobacco Settlement funds if those funds are not sufficient, and state funds will not replace them unless specifically appropriated. This could negatively impact employees whose positions are solely reliant on these settlement funds, as their employment might be at risk if funding becomes insufficient. Additionally, the restriction on transferring appropriations under certain Arkansas Code provisions, while granting flexibility within the act, could limit the institute's ability to reallocate funds in unforeseen circumstances if not covered by the specific allowances within this bill. Any potential future reduction or cessation of Tobacco Settlement funds would directly and negatively impact the institute's ability to fund these specific positions and operations."]