everything you want to know (and don't) about arkansas politics

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Taxes & Budget

HB1115

An Act For The Department Of Commerce - Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.

Failed

Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Sponsors

AI-Generated Summary

House Bill 1115 is a budgetary appropriations act for the Arkansas Department of Commerce's Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill establishes the maximum number of full-time regular employees and temporary 'extra help' personnel authorized for various divisions within the agency. It outlines specific funding allocations for operations, federal programs, disability telecommunications equipment, vocational training, and the Division of State Services for the Blind. Additionally, it provides authorization for a technology equipment revolving loan program to assist individuals with disabilities. The bill ensures that all financial disbursements remain in compliance with existing state fiscal control laws and procurement regulations. In total, it sets the spending authority for the agency's various programs to support vocational rehabilitation and services for individuals with disabilities in Arkansas.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are individuals with disabilities in Arkansas who utilize the services provided by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services and the Division of State Services for the Blind. This includes those seeking vocational rehabilitation, specialized training, assistive technology, telecommunications equipment, and employment placement assistance. Additionally, the employees of the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services and the Division of State Services for the Blind benefit from the established salary grades and authorized employment positions.

Who Might Suffer?

There are no groups or entities directly and negatively impacted by the passage of this bill. As a routine appropriations act, it provides funding for existing services and does not impose new taxes, regulations, or restrictions on the public, nor does it repeal existing benefits or rights.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us