SB350
An Act For The Office Of The Prosecutor Coordinator - Multi-jurisdicitional Drug Task Forces Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 350 establishes the funding, organizational structure, and salary classifications for Arkansas state-supported Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill provides a total appropriation of $14,395,360 to the Office of the Prosecutor Coordinator to support a Drug Task Force Coordinator and a maximum of 120 task force personnel, including commanders, supervisors, agents, and administrative assistants. It outlines salary grades for these positions and allows for the transition of existing county or grant-funded employees into state employment, including the recognition of prior service for leave benefits. The bill also clarifies that while the state provides these funds, individual task forces remain responsible for the costs of facilities, equipment, and any additional personnel not covered by this act. It expresses a legislative intent to ensure consistent, equitable drug enforcement resources across all judicial districts in the state. Finally, the bill includes an emergency clause to ensure the funding takes effect by July 1, 2025.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are the Office of the Prosecutor Coordinator and the newly defined state-funded Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force personnel, who will receive salaries, benefits, and administrative structure under the state government. Additionally, law enforcement agencies and the citizens of Arkansas benefit from the intended expansion and stabilization of drug enforcement resources across all judicial districts, particularly in areas that previously lacked sufficient funding for such operations.
Who Might Suffer?
While not explicitly targeted, the bill shifts the financial burden of certain operational costs—such as facilities, equipment, and additional personnel not covered by the state appropriation—onto the Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces themselves. Furthermore, those who advocate for reduced state spending on drug enforcement or those who believe the state's budget should be allocated to different public services may view this appropriation of over $14 million as a negative use of state funds.
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