SB49

This bill is an appropriations act for the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. It establishes the maximum number of employees, authorizes salaries, and provides funding for operating expenses across various divisions of the department. Key appropriations include funding for general office operations, state veterans' homes, and veterans' cemeteries. Notably, the bill authorizes $45 million in total funding for the construction, renovation, and equipment of a new State Veterans' Home in Northwest Arkansas, split between cash and federal fund sources. It also provides for personnel costs, maintenance, and administrative expenses to support the department's mission in serving Arkansas veterans. The bill outlines specific job classifications, salary grades, and maximum employee counts for department staff.