everything you want to know (and don't) about arkansas politics

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Taxes & Budget

SB55

An Act For The Arkansas Supreme Court Appropriation For The 2026-2027 Fiscal Year.

Introduced

Last Action (April 1, 2026): Read first time, rules suspended, read second time, referred to JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

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AI-Generated Summary

Senate Bill 55 is an appropriation act for the Arkansas Supreme Court for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The bill authorizes funding for the personal services, operating expenses, and administrative costs of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court Bar of Arkansas. It establishes the maximum number of full-time and temporary employees for both the Court and the Bar, totaling 76 full-time positions combined. The act outlines specific budget allocations for items such as judicial education, court-appointed attorneys, records maintenance, and general operating expenses. The total appropriations provided under this bill are $7,666,202 for the Court's operations and $5,733,581 for the Supreme Court Bar of Arkansas. Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause, enabling the act to take effect on July 1, 2026, to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the judicial branch.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the Arkansas Supreme Court, the staff employed by the Court and the Supreme Court Bar of Arkansas, and the state's legal system. By ensuring consistent funding for personnel, technology, and administration, the bill supports the continued operation of the state's highest court, benefiting attorneys, litigants, and the general public who rely on the judicial system for the resolution of legal matters.

Who Might Suffer?

There are no specific groups or entities directly and negatively impacted by this bill. As a routine appropriations measure, the bill provides the necessary fiscal resources for an established government branch to function. The allocation of these funds is derived from the state budget, which could be viewed as a cost to the taxpayers of Arkansas, but this is a standard aspect of government operation and not a targeted negative impact.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us