SB9

This bill provides the fiscal year 2026-2027 appropriations for the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, a division of the Department of Health. It authorizes the commission to employ up to six full-time regular employees, including accountants, coordinators, and a nurse. The act allocates $1,808,897 for personal services, operating expenses, professional fees, and screening, monitoring, treating, and outreach activities. It outlines strict protocols for fund transfers between budget line items, requiring oversight and prior approval from the Arkansas Legislative Council or the Joint Budget Committee. The bill also includes provisions regarding the usage of Tobacco Settlement funds and requires disclosure to employees that funding is not guaranteed if settlement proceeds are insufficient. Finally, it includes an emergency clause to ensure funding is available by July 1, 2026, to prevent disruption in agency operations.