HB1041

An Act For The Secretary Of State Appropriation For The 2026-2027 Fiscal Year.

Introduced

Last Action (April 1, 2026): Read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and referred to the Committee on JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

AI-Generated Summary

House Bill 1041 is an appropriation act for the Arkansas Secretary of State for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The bill establishes the maximum number of regular employees at 182 and authorizes 45 extra help positions. It outlines specific budgetary allocations for various operational needs, including salaries, administrative costs, capitol police, and building maintenance. Key funding initiatives include $11 million for county voting system grants and $9.1 million for an HVAC upgrade in the State Capitol. Additionally, the bill provides appropriations for federal programs like the Help America Vote Act, the maintenance of monument preservation, and the operation of the Secretary of State's gift shop and cafe. It also includes special language authorizing the transfer of funds between line items under specific oversight conditions and mandates the location of the Secretary of State's gift shop on the first floor of the State Capitol.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are the employees and administrative offices of the Arkansas Secretary of State, which receive funding for salaries and operational expenses. Additionally, county election offices benefit from grants for voting system upgrades, and state agencies or contractors involved in building maintenance and security benefit from the allocated funds for the Capitol grounds and HVAC improvements. Public visitors to the State Capitol also benefit from maintained facilities and the ongoing operation of the gift shop and cafe.

Who Might Suffer?

There are no specific groups or entities negatively impacted by this legislation, as it is a routine fiscal appropriation bill. However, taxpayers generally bear the cost of these appropriations, and administrative offices may face constraints if the budget proves insufficient for operational needs or if the mandated restrictions on fund transfers and gift shop placement limit managerial flexibility.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us