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

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Taxes & Budget

SB14

An Act For The Arkansas State Game And Fish Commission 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

Sponsors

AI-Generated Summary

Senate Bill 14 is a budgetary bill for the 2026-2027 fiscal year that provides appropriations for the personal services and operating expenses of the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission. The bill establishes the maximum number of regular employees at 647, specifies salary rates for various roles, and authorizes 185 temporary or part-time positions. It outlines multiple funding allocations totaling over $200 million for various agency functions, including general operations, wetland habitat restoration, Black River settlement mitigation, and marine fuel tax programs. The legislation also provides specific authorizations for budget transfers between line items, purchasing promotional items, and managing rewards payments. Additionally, the bill includes a restriction on the salary increases for the Commission Director, requiring legislative oversight for adjustments exceeding 5%. This is a routine appropriation measure designed to fund the state agency's operations for the upcoming fiscal year.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission and its employees, who receive authorized salaries and operating funds. Additionally, the public and entities involved in wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental restoration benefit from the ongoing maintenance, waterway access improvements, habitat renovation projects, and educational initiatives funded by these appropriations.

Who Might Suffer?

There are no specific groups or entities directly harmed by this bill, as it is a standard funding measure. However, taxpayers may be viewed as technically 'impacted' to the extent that the funds being appropriated are drawn from state funds, and other state agencies could potentially be impacted if there were limited state resources that had to be prioritized over this specific funding package.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us