SB268
To Transfer General Revenue To The Aging And Adult Services Fund Account To Be Used For Food Services Benefiting The Elderly; And To Declare An Emergency.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 268 mandates the transfer of up to $7,000,000 from the state General Revenue Fund to the Aging and Adult Services Fund Account for the specific purpose of supporting meal and food services for the elderly. Of this amount, seven percent is allocated to the newly created 'Fight Senior Hunger Community Grant Match Program,' which provides matching funds to local governments and nonprofits that invest in senior nutrition initiatives. The remaining funds are split between covering raw food costs and direct labor and operating expenses for meal programs, with strict caps on indirect costs. The bill establishes requirements for grant eligibility, including local financial or in-kind contributions, and mandates annual reporting to legislative committees. An emergency clause is included to ensure the act becomes effective on July 1, 2025, to coincide with the state fiscal year.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are senior citizens in Arkansas who suffer from food insecurity and rely on congregate meal centers or home-delivered meal programs. Additionally, local county governments, municipal city governments, and nonprofit organizations (specifically 501(c)(3) entities) will benefit through the availability of the new state grant program, which incentivizes and supports their local food initiatives.
Who Might Suffer?
The bill does not explicitly target or negatively impact any specific group; however, by allocating up to $7,000,000 from the general revenue fund toward senior nutrition programs, there is a potential for a reduction in available funding for other state-funded programs or general budgetary reserves that might have otherwise utilized those specific funds.
Get Notified
Receive an email when this bill's status changes.