SB35

Senate Bill 35 is an appropriations act that establishes the budget and staffing levels for the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) - Division of Children and Family Services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill authorizes a maximum of 1,420 regular employees and 65 extra-help positions, detailing salary grades for various administrative and service roles. It provides funding totaling $147,945,004 for general operations, which covers personal services, administrative expenses, and data processing. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds for specific programs, including $64,654,079 for state-level grants for foster care and residential treatment, and over $102 million in federal TANF funds dedicated to foster care. Smaller appropriations are earmarked for child abuse and neglect prevention initiatives and 'Safe Harbor' grants for the treatment of sexually exploited children. The act mandates strict compliance with state fiscal and procurement laws and includes an emergency clause to ensure funding is effective by July 1, 2025.