This bill appropriates a total of $148,545,191 for personal services and operating expenses for the Department of Human Services - Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. It establishes a maximum of 1,179 regular employees and allows for 347 part-time or temporary employees. Key funding allocations include $4,802,025 for nursing home care alternatives and $5,000,000 for crisis services, along with provisions for special allowances for healthcare professionals and the operational mandate for the Arkansas Health Center. The bill also allows unexpended funds for crisis services to be carried forward to the next fiscal year, ensuring ongoing support.

Additionally, the bill amends the timeline for appropriations related to aging and adult services, shifting the effective period to July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. It introduces a two-to-one state/local matching fund requirement for the Arkansas Senior Olympics Program and specifies that funding for Senior Citizen Centers will adhere to the federal Older Americans Act funding formula. The bill also establishes a mechanism to carry forward up to $500,000 in unobligated general revenue funds for Senior Citizen Centers in future fiscal years. An emergency clause is included to ensure the act takes effect on July 1, 2026, to maintain essential governmental programs without interruption.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB21 V3 - 4-27-2026 03:22 PM: