HB1051

An Act For The Department Of Finance & Administration - Regulatory Division Appropriation For The 2026-2027 Fiscal Year.

Introduced

Last Action (April 1, 2026): REPORTED CORRECTLY ENGROSSED

AI-Generated Summary

House Bill 1051 is an appropriation act for the 2026-2027 fiscal year concerning the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Regulatory Division and the Racing Commission. It establishes the maximum number of regular and temporary employees for these divisions and allocates specific funding for personal services, operating expenses, and specialized programs. Key appropriations include funding for sales to minors enforcement, tobacco inspection programs, cigarette fire safety, spirituous and vinous beverage regulation, medical marijuana administrative reimbursements, and casino gaming oversight. The bill also authorizes funds for compulsive gambling addiction treatment and the distribution of purses and awards in the racing industry. All expenditures are subject to standard Arkansas fiscal control laws and procurement regulations.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are the state employees within the Department of Finance & Administration's Regulatory Division and the Racing Commission, whose salaries and operations are funded by this bill. Additionally, the racing and gaming industries benefit from the administrative support and the large-scale transfer of funds for purses and awards, while the public benefits from the state's continued regulatory oversight of tobacco, alcohol, and gambling sectors, as well as the provision of resources for gambling addiction treatment.

Who Might Suffer?

There are no specific groups or entities directly negatively impacted by this legislation, as it is a routine appropriations bill intended to fund existing government operations and regulatory functions. However, taxpayers could be considered indirectly affected as the bill authorizes the expenditure of state and federal funds for these administrative purposes, and entities subject to regulation—such as tobacco retailers, alcohol distributors, and casino operators—may face increased scrutiny or enforcement activities funded by these appropriations.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us