SB349
An Act For The Auditor Of State - Victim Assistance Coordinators Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 349 appropriates $5,333,874 to the Auditor of State for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to fund personal services for victim assistance coordinators. The bill transitions victim assistance coordinators, currently employed by prosecuting attorneys at the local level, into state employees effective October 1, 2025. It authorizes 110 positions for these coordinators, setting maximum salary rates for different tiers of roles. While the state assumes responsibility for salaries and benefits, counties retain the obligation to provide the necessary facilities, equipment, and supplies for these positions. The Prosecution Coordination Commission is tasked with managing the initial allocation of these state-funded positions based on existing numbers from January 1, 2025. The legislation intends to standardize and provide equitable victim services across all judicial districts in Arkansas.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are the 110 individuals who will transition to state employee status, likely gaining state-provided benefits and salary protections. Additionally, victims of crime in judicial districts that previously lacked adequate local funding for support staff may benefit from a more consistent and better-resourced victim assistance system. County governments may also benefit by being relieved of the financial burden of paying the salaries for these coordinators.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary group negatively impacted would be state taxpayers, as the bill shifts a significant financial responsibility—totaling over $5.3 million in salaries and matching benefits—from local, county-level budgets to the state's central services fund. Additionally, some prosecuting attorney offices might face administrative challenges in navigating the transition to state-level employment regulations and coordinating with the Prosecution Coordination Commission to maintain existing service levels during the implementation phase.
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