SB18

Senate Bill 18 appropriates funding for the personal services and operating expenses of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The bill sets the maximum number of employees at five and outlines maximum salary rates for specific roles, including a Chief of Staff/Legal Counsel, two security officers, a communications director, and an assistant. The total budget appropriation for the office is established at $543,438. Additionally, the bill permits the office to transfer funds between authorized line items with approval from the Chief Fiscal Officer and review by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee. It also mandates that the Arkansas State Police provide security for the Lieutenant Governor and their family. Furthermore, the bill creates a mechanism for the Lieutenant Governor to hire independent, full-time law enforcement security personnel with statewide jurisdiction and authorizes the office to set its own training and qualification standards for these individuals. An emergency clause ensures the act takes effect on July 1, 2023.