HB1077
An Act For The Department Of Human Services - Division Of County Operations 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 1077 is an appropriations act that establishes the budget and staffing levels for the Arkansas Department of Human Services - Division of County Operations for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill outlines the maximum number of regular and temporary employees for the division and sets funding levels for salaries, operating expenses, and specific grant programs. Key appropriations include funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the TANF Block Grant, Summer EBT, and the Community Service Block Grant. It also authorizes a transfer of $7.5 million in TANF funds to the Arkansas Better Chance Program for early childhood education. Furthermore, the bill includes special language requiring the department to seek federal waivers to restrict how Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are used and to limit cash withdrawals from EBT cards. Failure to request these waivers would result in the suspension of appropriations for the program. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes an emergency clause to ensure the continuity of governmental operations.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the employees of the Department of Human Services - Division of County Operations, whose salaries and positions are funded through this act. Additionally, low-income residents and vulnerable populations in Arkansas benefit from the continued funding of social service programs, including SNAP, TANF, Summer EBT, emergency rental assistance, and the Arkansas Better Chance early education program.
Who Might Suffer?
The individuals most negatively impacted by this bill are recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. The mandate to seek federal waivers to restrict the purchase of goods and services to a specific list of 'essential' items, combined with restrictions on cash withdrawals, creates potential barriers to how recipients can manage their personal finances and meet the varied needs of their families. These restrictions may increase the administrative burden on recipients and limit their personal autonomy.
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