HB1023
An Act For The Department Of Human Services - Secretary's Office Appropriation For The 2026-2027 Fiscal Year.
Last Action (April 1, 2026): Read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and referred to the Committee on JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1023 is a legislative appropriation act for the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary's Office for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The bill establishes the maximum number of regular and extra-help employees allowed for the office and provides funding for personal services, operating expenses, and data processing. It also allocates specific funding for building construction, renovation, and repairs via the Department of Human Services Renovation Fund. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a consolidated cost revolving fund and the purchase of services. A specific section authorizes the Chief Counsel to transfer up to $12,000 for purchasing evidence during investigations into the illegal use of EBT/food stamp cards. Finally, the bill outlines the governance and usage requirements for the Department of Human Services Renovation Fund, including oversight by the Governor and legislative committees for fund transfers.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the employees and operations of the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary's Office, as it secures the necessary funding for salaries, administration, and facility maintenance. Indirectly, the citizens of Arkansas who rely on programs administered by the DHS benefit from the continued administrative support and oversight provided by this office. Additionally, building contractors and vendors who provide goods and services to the department benefit from the allocated operational and construction appropriations.
Who Might Suffer?
There are no groups directly and negatively impacted by this bill in a punitive sense; however, other state agencies or programs might be considered impacted if the prioritization of DHS funding creates competition for limited general revenue funds within the state budget. Furthermore, because this is an appropriation act, the department is restricted to the specific dollar amounts and headcount caps set by the General Assembly, which may limit the department's ability to expand operations or hire additional staff beyond what is specified for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
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