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Education

SB39

An Act For The Arkansas State University Appropriation For The 2026-2027 Fiscal Year.

Engrossed

Last Action (April 15, 2026): Read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and placed on the CALENDAR.

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AI-Generated Summary

Senate Bill 39 is a fiscal appropriation act for Arkansas State University for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The bill establishes the maximum number of regular employees for the university system and its Jonesboro campus. It outlines specific administrative, technical, and support positions, along with the maximum annual salary rates for these roles. The legislation acts as a budgetary authorization to define personnel capacity and salary caps for the upcoming fiscal year. It does not initiate new policy or programs, but serves to fulfill the legislative requirement to authorize state-funded university payroll and operations.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are Arkansas State University employees, as the bill authorizes the maximum salary rates and staffing levels for the institution. The university administration also benefits from the clear legal authorization of its personnel structure, which facilitates the management and operation of the campus. Additionally, the students and the broader Arkansas community benefit from the continued functionality and administrative oversight provided by the staff positions funded under this bill.

Who Might Suffer?

There is no group directly or significantly negatively impacted by this bill. It is a standard appropriations measure for an existing state institution. While some may argue that the allocation of state funds or the establishment of high salary caps for university administration could be viewed as an inefficient use of taxpayer money, these caps are maximums and do not necessarily dictate actual expenditures. The bill does not impose taxes, remove services, or restrict rights.

Vote Records

Third Reading

April 15, 2026
Yea: 34 Nay: 0 NV: 0 Absent: 1 Passed
View individual votes (35)
Legislator Party Chamber Vote
Jane English Republican Senate Yea
Jonathan Dismang Republican Senate Yea
Greg Leding Democrat Senate Yea
Missy Irvin Republican Senate Yea
Bryan King Republican Senate Yea
Kim Hammer Republican Senate Yea
Stephanie Flowers Democrat Senate Yea
Frederick Love Democrat Senate Yea
Terry Rice Republican Senate Yea
Reginald Murdock Democrat Senate Yea
Jim Dotson Republican Senate Yea
John Payton Republican Senate Absent
Alan Clark Republican Senate Yea
Ronald Caldwell Republican Senate Yea
Bart Hester Republican Senate Yea
Jimmy Hickey Republican Senate Yea
Dan Sullivan Republican Senate Yea
David Wallace Republican Senate Yea
Blake Johnson Republican Senate Yea
Justin Boyd Republican Senate Yea
Clarke Tucker Democrat Senate Yea
Scott Flippo Republican Senate Yea
Clint Penzo Republican Senate Yea
Mark Johnson Republican Senate Yea
Ricky Hill Republican Senate Yea
Jamie Scott Democrat Senate Yea
Breanne Davis Republican Senate Yea
Ben Gilmore Republican Senate Yea
Joshua Bryant Republican Senate Yea
Matt McKee Republican Senate Yea
Jim Petty Republican Senate Yea
Steve Crowell Republican Senate Yea
Tyler Dees Republican Senate Yea
Matt Stone Republican Senate Yea
Brad Simon Republican Senate Yea
Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us