SB24

An Act For The Department Of Human Services - Division Of Developmental Disabilities Services 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

AI-Generated Summary

Senate Bill 24 is an appropriation act for the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) - Division of Developmental Disabilities Services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The bill establishes the maximum number of regular and extra-help employees allowed for the division, totaling 2,490 positions. It provides specific funding allocations for operational expenses, including salaries, administrative costs, maintenance, and various service programs. The legislation appropriates funds for community-based programs, grants-in-aid to community providers, special olympics, and services for children and adolescents. Additionally, it contains special language requiring the prioritization of Medicaid funding for eligible individuals and mandates the expenditure of up to $1,000,000 to eliminate the Autism Waiver Services Program waiting list. The bill is intended to provide the necessary fiscal framework for the division to continue its operations and service delivery for the specified time period.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are individuals with developmental disabilities in Arkansas who rely on state-funded support services, specifically those on the Autism Waiver Services waiting list. Additionally, the bill benefits the employees of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services, private non-profit community-based providers that receive grants-in-aid, and the Arkansas Special Olympics.

Who Might Suffer?

There are no groups or entities directly or negatively impacted by this bill in a punitive sense. However, administrative divisions or programs not included in the scope of this specific funding package may face resource constraints if they were seeking increases that were not met, and taxpayers are the ultimate source of the $201.7 million appropriation.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us