The bill amends existing laws regarding annual appropriations for local governments in Arkansas, mandating that if a quorum court does not pass a new 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 introduces provisions that if an annual appropriation ordinance is not adopted by January 1, the salaries of county judges and per diem compensation for justices of the peace will not be paid until a new ordinance is in place. The bill also emphasizes the necessity of maintaining essential government services and employee payments to ensure public safety and welfare. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon approval, highlighting the urgency of the situation for local governments and their employees.

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