This bill appropriates funds for the Arkansas Department of Education for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, detailing the maximum number of regular employees and their salary grades, including key positions such as the Secretary of Education and Deputy Commissioner of Education. The total appropriations include $8,254,808 for Shared Services and $21,959,198 for State Operations within the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. Additional funding is allocated for various programs, including federal grants, child nutrition, and Medicaid reimbursement, with specific amounts designated for each initiative.

Significant legal language changes in the bill include the establishment of a maximum number of employees for the Professional Licensure Standards Board and new salary regulations for the Secretary of the Department of Education, which require the secretary to dedicate all working time to their duties without accepting additional compensation. The bill also emphasizes legislative oversight for the distribution of funds related to school safety and other programs, mandates reporting of any carry forward of unexpended funds, and includes an emergency clause for immediate effectiveness starting July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB76 Original - 1-19-2023 09:53 AM:
Old version SB76 V2 - 4-3-2023 01:47 PM:
SB 76:
Act 871: