This bill proposes an appropriation for the expenses of the Judicial Branch of Government, specifically for the Auditor of State, the Arkansas House of Representatives, and the Arkansas Senate for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The bill allocates a total of $830,000 for various expenses, including $80,000 for district judges' travel expense reimbursement, $350,000 for special or recalled judges for the circuit courts, and $400,000 for trial judges' expenses. Additionally, it appropriates $368,000 for interim expense reimbursements for representatives and $200,000 for interim expense reimbursements for senators.
The bill includes provisions for the disbursement of these funds, designating the Auditor of State, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Chief of Staff of the House of Representatives as disbursing officers for their respective appropriations. It also establishes guidelines for reimbursement requests and emphasizes compliance with the stated purposes of the appropriations. An emergency clause is included, stating that the act must take effect on July 1, 2026, to ensure the timely operation of the agency and prevent any disruption in essential governmental programs.