SB20

Senate Bill 20 is an appropriations act that establishes the budget and staffing authorization for the Arkansas Sentencing Commission, a division of the Department of Corrections, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill authorizes a maximum of three regular full-time employees, specifically a Commission Director, an Attorney, and a Quality Assurance Manager. It provides a total appropriation of $475,757, which covers regular salaries, personal services matching, and general operational expenses such as travel and professional fees. The act mandates strict compliance with state fiscal control laws, including the State Procurement Law and the General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law. Furthermore, it outlines legislative intent regarding the use of these funds based on budget manuals and committee testimony. Finally, the bill includes an emergency clause to ensure the funding takes effect on July 1, 2025, to maintain the agency's operational continuity.