HB1259
An Act For The University Of Arkansas And The Division Of Agriculture - Arkansas Biosciences Institutes Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill makes appropriations for personal services and operating expenses for the University of Arkansas and the Division of Agriculture - Arkansas Biosciences Institutes for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Specifically, it allocates $2,375,563 to the University of Arkansas for the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and $2,415,432 to the University of Arkansas - Division of Agriculture for the Arkansas Biosciences Institute. These funds are to be paid from the Arkansas Biosciences Institute Program Account of the Tobacco Settlement Program Fund. The bill also includes special language regarding transfer restrictions, transfer provisions requiring approval from the Division of Higher Education, Chief Fiscal Officer, and Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee for intra-appropriation transfers, and disclosures for positions funded by Tobacco Settlement proceeds. It also mandates compliance with various state fiscal control laws and emphasizes legislative intent concerning the use of these funds. The act is declared an emergency measure, effective July 1, 2025, to ensure the continued operation of the affected entities.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the University of Arkansas and its Division of Agriculture, specifically their Arkansas Biosciences Institute programs. These institutions will receive direct financial appropriations for personal services and operating expenses, enabling them to continue their research and operational activities. Employees of these institutes, through salaries and personal services matching, will also benefit from the continued funding. The broader scientific and economic community in Arkansas may indirectly benefit from the research and development facilitated by the biosciences institutes.
Who Might Suffer?
This bill does not appear to directly negatively impact any specific groups or entities through explicit provisions. However, a potential indirect negative impact could be on other state programs or services that might otherwise have received funding from the Tobacco Settlement Program Fund, depending on the overall allocation and availability of these funds. Additionally, employees in positions funded by Tobacco Settlement proceeds are informed that continued funding is contingent on the sufficiency of these funds and that state funds will not be used as a replacement unless specifically appropriated. This creates a degree of financial uncertainty for those specific positions if Tobacco Settlement funds become insufficient.