This bill proposes an appropriation for the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, authorizing a total of 732 regular employee positions with specified salary grades. It allocates a total of $18,085,899 for state operations and $83,583,019 for conservation tax operations, covering various operational needs such as salaries, tourism promotion, outdoor recreation grants, and maintenance of the War Memorial Stadium. Notably, the bill introduces new appropriations, including $37,880,862 for the Delta Heritage Trail Construction Program and $1,250,000 for the Arkansas Wine Tourism Facility, while also providing funding for the Arkansas Wine Producers Council and special maintenance expenses.

Additionally, the bill outlines a special maintenance program for the Division of Arkansas State Parks to address deferred maintenance issues, requiring prior approval from the Arkansas Legislative Council or the Joint Budget Committee for fund expenditures. It allows the Division to award cash prizes and merchandise to contest winners, capped at $10,000 per fiscal year, and allocates $150,000 annually from the tourism tax for small festivals in smaller communities. Temporary provisions effective from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, include the use of extra-help positions for seasonal events and a limit of $75,000 for promotional materials each fiscal year. The bill also emphasizes compliance with fiscal control laws and includes an emergency clause for immediate effectiveness.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB15 V2 - 4-27-2026 03:21 PM: 15-11-601, 04-27-2026, 25-16-901, 15-11-602, 15-11-603