HB1059

House Bill 1059 is an appropriation act for the Arkansas Department of Education - Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. It establishes a maximum of 32 regular, full-time employees and authorizes five part-time or temporary 'Extra Help' positions. The bill allocates $3,065,682 for operational expenses, including salaries, matching benefits, and safety training. Additionally, it provides $215,340,489 for grants and aid programs, primarily targeting academic facilities partnerships and catastrophic facility needs. The legislation also grants the Division transfer authority for the Open-Enrollment Public Charter School Facilities Loan Program and provides the Director with limited budget adjustment authority subject to legislative oversight. Finally, it includes an emergency clause to ensure funding is available by the start of the fiscal year on July 1, 2026.