HB1267
An Act For The Uams - Reynolds Center On Aging, Boozman College Of Public Health, Ark. Biosciences Institute, & The Area Health Ed. Center In Helena Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill appropriates funds for personal services and operating expenses for several University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) entities for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The entities include the Donald W. Reynolds Center on Aging, the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, and the Area Health Education Center in Helena. The appropriations are to be paid from specific accounts within the Tobacco Settlement Program Fund. The bill also establishes maximum numbers of regular employees and salary rates for various positions within these UAMS entities. Special language addresses the funding of the Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Program, transfer restrictions for appropriations, and transfer provisions with legislative oversight. It also includes provisions regarding employee notification for positions funded by Tobacco Settlement proceeds and compliance with other state fiscal laws. The bill clarifies legislative intent for fund disbursement and includes an emergency clause.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
["The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the specified University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) entities: the Donald W. Reynolds Center on Aging, the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, and the Area Health Education Center in Helena. These institutions will receive the appropriated funds for personal services and operating expenses, enabling them to maintain and potentially expand their operations and research activities. Additionally, the employees and potential hires within these UAMS entities will benefit from the establishment of salary ranges and position allocations. The Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Program may also benefit due to specific provisions related to its funding. Furthermore, patients and the public who utilize the services or benefit from the research conducted by these UAMS divisions could indirectly benefit."]
Who Might Suffer?
['This bill does not appear to directly and negatively impact specific groups or entities in a way that is overtly punitive or detrimental. However, there are potential indirect impacts to consider. The funding for these appropriations is derived from the Tobacco Settlement Program Fund. If these funds were intended for other programs or purposes, diverting them to these UAMS entities could be seen as negatively impacting those other potential uses or recipients of those funds. Furthermore, the special language regarding positions funded by Tobacco Settlement proceeds notes that state funds will not be used to replace them if they expire, which could negatively impact future employees in those positions if the settlement funds become insufficient. The requirement for legislative approval for certain fund transfers could also be seen as a constraint on operational flexibility, though it also ensures oversight.']