This bill appropriates funds for personal services and operating expenses for the Arkansas Legislative Council, the Bureau of Legislative Research, and the interim committees of the Arkansas General Assembly for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It establishes a maximum number of regular employees for the Bureau of Legislative Research, totaling 134 positions, and authorizes up to 31 part-time or temporary employees. The total amount appropriated for various operational expenses, including regular salaries, extra help, personal services matching, and construction improvements, is set at $22,486,891. Additionally, the bill allocates funds for interim committee study expenses and per diem for members of the Arkansas General Assembly.

The bill also includes provisions for the temporary reclassification of positions within the Bureau of Legislative Research and amends Arkansas Code 10-3-303 to allow the director to transfer appropriations between line items and to other constitutional officers as necessary. An emergency clause is included, stating that the act must take effect on July 1, 2025, to ensure the timely operation of the agency. The bill emphasizes compliance with existing fiscal control laws and the intent of the General Assembly regarding the appropriations made.

Statutes affected:
SB 40: 10-3-303