The bill amends existing laws regarding annual appropriations for local governments in Arkansas, requiring that if a quorum court does not pass an annual appropriation ordinance by January 1, the previous year's ordinance will automatically be readopted. This includes any amendments made before December 31 of the previous year. The bill specifies that expenditures, including employee salaries, will continue at the previous year's levels until a new ordinance is adopted. However, it explicitly excludes per diem compensation for justices of the peace and salaries for county judges during this interim period.

Additionally, the bill mandates that municipalities must adopt their budgets by February 1, and if they fail to do so by January 1, they will also operate under the previous year's budget until a new one is adopted. The emergency clause included in the bill emphasizes the necessity of this legislation to ensure that local governments can continue to provide essential services and pay employees, thereby protecting public peace, health, and safety. The act will take effect immediately upon approval by the Governor or under specified conditions if not acted upon.

Statutes affected:
SB 182: 14-14-904(b), 14-14-1204(c), 14-14-1205(a)
Act 24: 14-14-904(b), 14-14-1204(c), 14-14-1205(a)