SB22
An Act For The Department Of Human Services - Division Of Children And Family Services Appropriation For The 2026-2027 Fiscal Year.
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 22 is a legislative act that provides the funding appropriation and personnel authorization for the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill sets a maximum of 1,420 regular employees and 65 temporary or part-time employees. It allocates over $147.9 million for general operations, including salaries, administrative costs, and data processing. Additionally, the bill provides specific appropriations for foster care, state residential treatment, and child abuse and neglect prevention programs. It also designates funds for Safe Harbor grants to support sexually exploited children. The act contains an emergency clause, ensuring it takes effect on July 1, 2026, to maintain uninterrupted agency operations.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries include the employees of the Arkansas Department of Human Services, specifically the Division of Children and Family Services, who rely on these funds for their compensation. Additionally, children and families who rely on state-funded services—such as children in the foster care system, those receiving residential treatment, and victims of abuse or sexual exploitation—benefit from the continuation and funding of these essential programs.
Who Might Suffer?
There is no group directly and negatively impacted by this legislation, as it is a routine appropriations bill intended to fund existing government services. However, if the funds were deemed insufficient or if budget priorities shifted elsewhere, taxpayers might be considered indirectly impacted by the allocation of public funds toward these specific state programs.
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