The bill, designated as SB106, proposes appropriations for the Arkansas Department of Agriculture for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It allocates a total of $10,115,613 for Shared Services and $16,149,515 for Operations, detailing funding for personal services, operating expenses, and specific programs such as the Livestock and Poultry Commission and the Agri Scholarship Program. Notable insertions include funding amounts for various initiatives, such as $6,000,000 for the Forest Legacy Program and $3,000,000 for flood hazard mitigation grants, as well as provisions for temporary staffing and operational flexibility.
Additionally, the bill allows for fund transfers among accounts within the Department, contingent upon approval from the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee. It introduces a carry-forward provision for unexpended funds, permitting up to $500,000 to remain in the Department of Agriculture Fund Account for wildfire suppression and related expenses. The bill emphasizes the importance of resource management and environmental conservation, aiming to enhance the operational efficiency of the Department and the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission through targeted financial support and regulatory flexibility.