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1 State of Arkansas As Engrossed: S3/17/25 S4/3/25
2 95th General Assembly
A Bill
3 Regular Session, 2025 SENATE BILL 36
4
5 By: Joint Budget Committee
6
7
8 For An Act To Be Entitled
9 AN ACT TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION FOR PERSONAL SERVICES
10 AND OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN
11 SERVICES - DIVISION OF AGING, ADULT, AND BEHAVIORAL
12 HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30,
13 2026; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
14
15
16 Subtitle
17 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN
18 SERVICES - DIVISION OF AGING, ADULT, AND
19 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES APPROPRIATION
20 FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.
21
22
23 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS:
24
25 SECTION 1. REGULAR SALARIES - STATE OPERATIONS. There is hereby
26 established for the Department of Human Services - Division of Aging, Adult,
27 and Behavioral Health Services for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the following
28 maximum number of regular employees.
29
30 Maximum Annual
31 Maximum Salary Rate
32 Item Class No. of Fiscal Year
33 No. Code Title Employees 2025-2026
34 (1) N221N ARKANSAS STATE HOSPITAL COO 1 GRADE SE03
35 (2) N220N DHS CHIEF ATTORNEY 1 GRADE SE02
36 (3) N249N DHS DIVISION DIRECTOR 1 GRADE SE02
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As Engrossed: S3/17/25 S4/3/25 SB36
1 (4) N027N DHS DEPUTY DIRECTOR ADULT SERVICES 1 GRADE SE01
GRADE MP06
2 (5) L011N DENTIST 1 GRADE MP06
GRADE MP06
3 (6) L009N DHS BEHAV HLTH GENERAL PHYSICIAN 3 GRADE MP06
GRADE MP05
4 (7) L014N DIRECTOR OF PHARMACY 1 GRADE MP04
GRADE MP04
5 (8) L013N GENERAL PHYSICIAN 1 GRADE MP03
GRADE MP03
6 (9) L016N REGISTERED PHARMACIST 4 GRADE MP03
GRADE MP02
7 (10) L105C AHC NURSING DIRECTOR 1 GRADE MP02
GRADE MP02
8 (11) L001C PSYCHOLOGIST SUPERVISOR 1 GRADE MP01
GRADE MP01
9 (12) L006C ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF NURSING 3 GRADE GS15
GRADE GS14
10 (13) L009C NURSE MANAGER 11 GRADE GS14
GRADE GS13
11 (14) L003C PSYCHOLOGIST 4 GRADE GS13
GRADE GS13
12 (15) L015C CLINICAL SPEECH PATHOLOGIST 1 GRADE GS13
GRADE GS13
13 (16) L036C NURSE INSTRUCTOR 1 GRADE GS12
GRADE GS12
14 (17) L027C REGISTERED NURSE SUPERVISOR 30 GRADE GS12
GRADE GS11
15 (18) L038C REGISTERED NURSE 125 GRADE GS11
GRADE GS11
16 (19) L032C REGISTERED NURSE - HOSPITAL 28 GRADE GS11
GRADE GS11
17 (20) G283C DHS CHIEF SECURITY & COMPLIANCE OFCR 1 GRADE GS10
GRADE GS10
18 (21) N103N DHS MENTAL HEALTH CENTER DIRECTOR 1 GRADE GS09
GRADE GS09
19 (22) N124N DHS/DYS ASSISTANT DIVISION DIRECTOR 1
20 (23) M002C DHS BEHAV HLTH ASSOC DIR, AHC 1
21 (24) M003C DHS BEHAV HLTH CHILDRENS SYSTEM CARE DIR 1
22 (25) G277C DHS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT DIRECTOR 1
23 (26) N127N DHS/DBHS DIR ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE PREV 1
24 (27) G004C MANAGING ATTORNEY 1
25 (28) G101C DHS AREA MANAGER 1
26 (29) N152N DHS/DBHS ASSISTANT DIR ADMIN SVCS 1
27 (30) A014C FISCAL DIVISION MANAGER 1
28 (31) G047C ATTORNEY SPECIALIST 1
29 (32) L011C DHS ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE PREV ASST DEP DIR 3
30 (33) G027N DHS RESEARCH ANALYSIS MANAGER 2
31 (34) N153N DHS/DBHS CLINICAL DIRECTOR 1
32 (35) G008C RISK MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT DIRECTOR 1
33 (36) G076C ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES MANAGER 1
34 (37) L010C DHS DMS MEDICAL ASSISTANCE MANAGER 2
35 (38) G099C DHS PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR 13
36 (39) L040C DIETARY SERVICES DIRECTOR 2
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As Engrossed: S3/17/25 S4/3/25 SB36
1 (40) G109C GRANTS MANAGER 4 GRADE GS09
GRADE GS09
2 (41) M009C LICENSED CERTIFIED SOCIAL WORKER 27 GRADE GS09
GRADE GS08
3 (42) L033C PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINER 1 GRADE GS08
GRADE GS08
4 (43) E035C CERTIFIED MASTERS TEACHER 1 GRADE GS08
GRADE GS08
5 (44) L050C CERTIFIED RESPIRATORY THERAPY TECH 4 GRADE GS08
GRADE GS08
6 (45) T031C DHS BEHAV HLTH PUBLIC SAFETY DIR 1 GRADE GS08
GRADE GS08
7 (46) M016C DHS FIELD MANAGER 4 GRADE GS08
GRADE GS08
8 (47) G152C DHS PROGRAM MANAGER 11 GRADE GS07
GRADE GS07
9 (48) G083C DHS/DAAS DIVISION MANAGER 1 GRADE GS07
GRADE GS07
10 (49) E026C EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION COORDINATOR 1 GRADE GS07
GRADE GS07
11 (50) M010C FAMILY SERVICE WORKER CLINICAL SPEC 1 GRADE GS07
GRADE GS07
12 (51) S004C MAINTENANCE MANAGER 1 GRADE GS07
GRADE GS07
13 (52) M018C PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY COORDINATOR II 1 GRADE GS07
GRADE GS07
14 (53) E023C TRAINING PROJECT MANAGER 1 GRADE GS07
GRADE GS06
15 (54) S008C CAMPUS MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR 2 GRADE GS06
GRADE GS06
16 (55) G131C DHS BEHAV HLTH MED BUS PRACTICES ADM 1 GRADE GS06
GRADE GS06
17 (56) G183C DHS PROGRAM COORDINATOR 23 GRADE GS06
GRADE GS06
18 (57) G153C DHS/DAAS PROGRAM SUPERVISOR 2 GRADE GS06
GRADE GS06
19 (58) L055C DIETICIAN 1
20 (59) L062C LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE SUPERVISOR 12
21 (60) M026C LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER 5
22 (61) P020C PRODUCTION ARTIST 1
23 (62) M025C PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY COORDINATOR I 1
24 (63) L052C REHAB FACILITY SUPERVISOR 2
25 (64) A072C RESEARCH & STATISTICS MANAGER 1
26 (65) A063C RESEARCH & STATISTICS SUPERVISOR 1
27 (65.1) M023C SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM COORD 1
28 (66) C037C ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST 14
29 (67) M045C ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES WORKER 39
30 (68) E044C CERTIFIED BACHELORS TEACHER 3
31 (69) L044C DHS BEHAV HLTH CASE REVIEW ANALYST 1
32 (70) G184C DHS PROGRAM CONSULTANT 2
33 (71) G210C DHS PROGRAM SPECIALIST 7
34 (72) G198C DHS/DAAS PROGRAM SPECIALIST 7
35 (73) T052C DHS/DBHS PUBLIC SAFETY SUPERVISOR 4
36 (74) G180C GRANTS ANALYST 4
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As Engrossed: S3/17/25 S4/3/25 SB36
1 (75) X101C INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATOR 2 GRADE GS06
GRADE GS06
2 (76) G179C LEGAL SERVICES SPECIALIST 2 GRADE GS06
GRADE GS06
3 (77) L069C LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE 93 GRADE GS06
GRADE GS06
4 (78) S033C MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR 2 GRADE GS06
GRADE GS06
5 (79) G124C OMBUDSMAN 1 GRADE GS06
GRADE GS06
6 (80) G178C POLICY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR 1 GRADE GS06
GRADE GS06
7 (81) M066C PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST 6 GRADE GS06
GRADE GS06
8 (82) L103C PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATOR 3 GRADE GS06
GRADE GS06
9 (83) X136C QUALITY ASSURANCE REVIEWER 1 GRADE GS05
GRADE GS05
10 (84) C026C RECORDS/INTAKE SUPERVISOR 2 GRADE GS05
GRADE GS05
11 (85) L051C REHABILITATION COUNSELOR 1 GRADE GS05
GRADE GS05
12 (86) B076C RESEARCH PROJECT ANALYST 2 GRADE GS05
GRADE GS05
13 (87) S022C SKILLED TRADES SUPERVISOR 9 GRADE GS05
GRADE GS05
14 (88) G202C VOLUNTEER PROGRAM COORDINATOR 2 GRADE GS05
GRADE GS05
15 (89) S021C WATER FILTER/WASTE DISPOSAL PLNT SUPV 1 GRADE GS05
GRADE GS04
16 (89.1) RO27C BUDGET SPECIALIST 1 GRADE GS04
GRADE GS04
17 (89.2) L070C HEALTH CARE ANALYST 1 GRADE GS04
GRADE GS04
18 (90) C036C ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW ANALYST 1 GRADE GS04
GRADE GS04
19 (91) C050C ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SUPERVISOR 2
20 (92) S041C BOILER OPERATOR 4
21 (93) A091C FISCAL SUPPORT ANALYST 1
22 (94) C030C HEALTH RECORDS SPECIALIST 1
23 (95) D077C HELP DESK SPECIALIST 2
24 (96) T055C PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER 20
25 (97) M065C RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY SUPERVISOR 3
26 (98) L066C REHABILITATION INSTRUCTOR 35
27 (99) S031C SKILLED TRADESMAN 25
28 (100) V018C WAREHOUSE MANAGER 2
29 (101) S030C WATER FILTER/WASTE DISPOSAL PLNT OPER 2
30 (102) C056C ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST III 39
31 (103) X167C COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATOR 1
32 (104) L102C DIETETIC SPECIALIST 2
33 (105) A098C FISCAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST 1
34 (106) S044C FOOD PREPARATION MANAGER 2
35 (107) R038C HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT 1
36 (108) V020C INVENTORY CONTROL MANAGER 3
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As Engrossed: S3/17/25 S4/3/25 SB36
1 (109) B111C LABORATORY TECHNICIAN 3 GRADE GS04
2 (110) C043C RECORDS MANAGEMENT ANALYST 4 GRADE GS04
3 (111) T072C SECURITY OFFICER SUPERVISOR 1 GRADE GS04
4 (112) V023C STOREROOM SUPERVISOR 1 GRADE GS04
5 (113) L074C THERAPY ASSISTANT 2 GRADE GS04
6 (114) V025C WAREHOUSE SPECIALIST 1 GRADE GS04
7 (115) C073C ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST II 5 GRADE GS03
8 (116) M084C BEHAV HLTH AIDE 75 GRADE GS03
9 (117) L082C CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT 153 GRADE GS03
10 (118) S056C FOOD PREPARATION SUPERVISOR 8 GRADE GS03
11 (119) S067C HOUSEKEEPER SUPERVISOR 1 GRADE GS03
12 (120) S076C INSTITUTIONAL BEAUTICIAN 1 GRADE GS03
13 (121) V027C INVENTORY CONTROL TECHNICIAN 5 GRADE GS03
14 (122) C074C MEDICAL RECORDS ASSISTANT 1 GRADE GS03
15 (123) T084C PUBLIC SAFETY SECURITY OFFICER 60 GRADE GS03
16 (124) C087C ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST I 5 GRADE GS02
17 (125) S070C EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN 4 GRADE GS02
18 (126) S085C FOOD PREPARATION SPECIALIST 9 GRADE GS02
19 (127) S084C INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES SUPERVISOR 4 GRADE GS02
20 (128) S066C LANDSCAPE TECHNICIAN 2 GRADE GS02
21 (129) M076C RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY LEADER II 20 GRADE GS02
22 (130) V030C SHIPPING & RECEIVING CLERK 1 GRADE GS02
23 (131) E056C TEACHER ASSISTANT 4 GRADE GS02
24 (132) V028C WAREHOUSE WORKER 2 GRADE GS02
25 (133) S089C FOOD PREPARATION TECHNICIAN 29 GRADE GS01
26 (134) S087C INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES ASSISTANT 48 GRADE GS01
27 (135) L086C PHARMACY ASSISTANT 2 GRADE GS01
28 (136) M082C RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY LEADER I 2 GRADE GS01
29 MAX. NO. OF EMPLOYEES 1,179
30
31 SECTION 2. EXTRA HELP - STATE OPERATIONS. There is hereby authorized,
32 for the Department of Human Services - Division of Aging, Adult, and
33 Behavioral Health Services for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the following
34 maximum number of part-time or temporary employees, to be known as "Extra
35 Help", payable from funds appropriated herein for such purposes: three
36 hundred forty-seven (347) temporary or part-time employees, when needed, at
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As Engrossed: S3/17/25 S4/3/25 SB36
1 rates of pay not to exceed those provided in the Uniform Classification and
2 Compensation Act, or its successor, or this act for the appropriate
3 classification.
4
5 SECTION 3. APPROPRIATION - STATE OPERATIONS. There is hereby
6 appropriated, to the Department of Human Services, to be payable from the
7 paying account as determined by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for
8 personal services and operating expenses of the Department of Human Services
9 - Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for the fiscal
10 year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
11
12 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
13 NO. 2025-2026
14 (01) REGULAR SALARIES $58,451,995
15 (02) EXTRA HELP 5,764,305
16 (03) PERSONAL SERVICES MATCHING 24,682,047
17 (04) OVERTIME 5,712,006
18 (05) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
19 (A) OPER. EXPENSE 41,332,158
20 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 182,214
21 (C) PROF. FEES 11,460,828
22 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 900,000
23 (E) DATA PROC. 0
24 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $148,485,553
25
26 SECTION 4. APPROPRIATION - AGING AND ADULT SERVICES - OPERATIONS.
27 There is hereby appropriated, to the Department of Human Services, to be
28 payable from the paying account as determined by the Chief Fiscal Officer of
29 the State, for operating expenses, grants, and programs for aging and adult
30 services of the Department of Human Services - Division of Aging, Adult, and
31 Behavioral Health Services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the
32 following:
33
34 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
35 NO. 2025-2026
36 (01) NURSING HOME CARE ALTERNATIVES $4,802,025
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1 (02) NUTRITION PROGRAMS 22,790,328
2 (03) OLDER WORKER PROGRAM 1,052,665
3 (04) PROJECT GRANTS 17,436,641
4 (05) RETIRED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 75,000
5 (06) SENIOR CITIZEN CENTERS 10,000,000
6 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $56,156,659
7
8 SECTION 5. APPROPRIATION - COMMUNITY ALCOHOL SAFETY OPERATIONS. There
9 is hereby appropriated, to the Department of Human Services, to be payable
10 from the Highway Safety Special Fund, for grant payments of the Department of
11 Human Services - Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for
12 the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
13
14 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
15 NO. 2025-2026
16 (01) COMMUNITY ALCOHOL SAFETY GRANTS AND
17 AID $2,416,834
18
19 SECTION 6. APPROPRIATION - PATIENT BENEFITS - CASH. There is hereby
20 appropriated, to the Department of Human Services, to be payable from the
21 cash fund deposited in the State Treasury as determined by the Chief Fiscal
22 Officer of the State, for benefits of the patients of the Department of Human
23 Services - Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for the
24 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
25
26 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
27 NO. 2025-2026
28 (01) PATIENT BENEFIT FUND $70,000
29
30 SECTION 7. APPROPRIATION - MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS. There is hereby
31 appropriated, to the Department of Human Services, to be payable from the
32 paying account as determined by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for
33 grant payments of the Department of Human Services - Division of Aging,
34 Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for the fiscal year ending June 30,
35 2026, the following:
36
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As Engrossed: S3/17/25 S4/3/25 SB36
1 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
2 NO. 2025-2026
3 (01) MENTAL HEALTH GRANTS AND AID $47,553,171
4
5 SECTION 8. APPROPRIATION - ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION. There is
6 hereby appropriated, to the Department of Human Services, to be payable from
7 the Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Fund, for education, drug abuse
8 prevention, and treatment services of the Department of Human Services -
9 Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for the fiscal year
10 ending June 30, 2026, the following:
11
12 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
13 NO. 2025-2026
14 (01) EDUCATION/PREVENTION/TREATMENT $49,666,991
15
16 SECTION 9. APPROPRIATION - CRISIS SERVICES. There is hereby
17 appropriated, to the Department of Human Services, to be payable from the
18 Behavioral Health Services Fund Account, for grants and operating expenses
19 related to crisis intervention of the Department of Human Services - Division
20 of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for the fiscal year ending
21 June 30, 2026, the following:
22
23 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
24 NO. 2025-2026
25 (01) CRISIS SERVICES $5,000,000
26
27 SECTION 10. APPROPRIATION - VETERANS MENTAL HEALTH GRANT PROGRAM.
28 There is hereby appropriated, to the Department of Human Services, to be
29 payable from the paying account as determined by the Chief Fiscal Officer of
30 the State, for a grant program to veterans service organizations to support
31 veterans and their families by the Department of Human Services - Division of
32 Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for the fiscal year ending June
33 30, 2026, the following:
34
35 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
36 NO. 2025-2026
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As Engrossed: S3/17/25 S4/3/25 SB36
1 (01) VETERANS MENTAL HEALTH GRANT PROGRAM $5,000,000
2
3 SECTION 11. APPROPRIATION - MEALS ON WHEELS. There is hereby
4 appropriated, to the Department of Human Services, to be payable from the
5 Aging and Adult Services Fund Account, for the Meals on Wheels Program and
6 transportation services for the elderly of the Department of Human Services -
7 Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for the fiscal year
8 ending June 30, 2026, the following:
9
10 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
11 NO. 2025-2026
12 (01) TRANSPORTATION SERVICES $2,400,000
13
14 SECTION 12. APPROPRIATION - ARKANSAS SENIOR OLYMPICS. There is hereby
15 appropriated, to the Department of Human Services, to be payable from the
16 Behavioral Health Services Fund Account, for matching funds for the Arkansas
17 Senior Olympics of the Department of Human Services - Division of Aging,
18 Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for the fiscal year ending June 30,
19 2026, the following:
20
21 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
22 NO. 2025-2026
23 (01) STATE MATCH $70,000
24
25 SECTION 13. APPROPRIATION - INDEPENDENT CHOICES GRANTS. There is hereby
26 appropriated, to the Department of Human Services, to be payable from the
27 paying account as determined by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for
28 grant payments of the Department of Human Services - Division of Aging,
29 Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for the fiscal year ending June 30,
30 2026, the following:
31
32 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
33 NO. 2025-2026
34 (01) INDEPENDENT CHOICES GRANTS AND AID $400,000
35
36 SECTION 14. APPROPRIATION - FIGHT SENIOR HUNGER COMMUNITY GRANT MATCH
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As Engrossed: S3/17/25 S4/3/25 SB36
1 PROGRAM. There is hereby appropriated, to the Department of Human Services,
2 to be payable from the paying account as determined by the Chief Fiscal
3 Officer of the State, for grant match payments of the Department of Human
4 Services - Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for the
5 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
6
7 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
8 NO. 2025-2026
9 (01) FIGHT SENIOR HUNGER GRANT MATCH $400,000
10
11 SECTION 15. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
12 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW.
13 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES. Pay rates for physicians and chief psychologists
14 within the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services may
15 include the special allowances available to UAMS physicians and professional
16 faculty as authorized in Arkansas Code. Part of the salaries of such staff
17 will come from the receipt of professional income in the care of patients
18 and/or funds received from federal agencies, foundations and other private
19 sponsors in the support of research. Provided that any such allowance shall
20 not exceed, for any employee, an amount equal to two and one half times the
21 salary authorized by the General Assembly. The specific Division of Aging,
22 Adult, and Behavioral Health Services classifications covered by this
23 language are:
24 Class
25 Code Title
26 L005N Psychiatric Specialist
27 L009N DHS Behavioral Health General Physician
28 L001C Psychologist Supervisor
29 Prior to these allowances being made available for an individual, they
30 will be approved by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and reviewed by the
31 Personnel Committee of the Arkansas Legislative Council or the Joint Budget
32 Committee.
33 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
34 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
35
36 SECTION 16. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
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As Engrossed: S3/17/25 S4/3/25 SB36
1 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. ARKANSAS
2 HEALTH CENTER. (A) The Department of Human Services shall not close the
3 Arkansas Health Center that provides skilled nursing through specialized
4 services and programs.
5 (B) The Department of Human Services shall continue to accept clients for
6 whom it has determined that skilled nursing and specialized services are
7 needed at the Arkansas Health Center.
8 (C) No funds shall be transferred or reduced from the Arkansas Health
9 Center, except for use as federal matching funds, below the approved funding
10 level on March 1, 2003 without the prior approval of the Arkansas Legislative
11 Council or the Joint Budget Committee.
12 (D) Determining the maximum amount of appropriation and general revenue
13 funding for a state agency each fiscal year is the prerogative of the General
14 Assembly. This is usually accomplished by delineating such maximums in the
15 appropriation act(s) for a state agency and the general revenue allocations
16 authorized for each fund and fund account by amendment to the Revenue
17 Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly has determined that the
18 Department of Human Services may operate more efficiently if some flexibility
19 is provided to the Department of Human Services authorizing broad powers
20 under this Section. Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the
21 General Assembly maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the
22 Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee as provided by this section.
23 The requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget
24 Committee is not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of
25 approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled
26 unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is
27 void.
28 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
29 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
30
31 SECTION 17. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
32 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. SPECIAL
33 RATES OF PAY AND EMPLOYMENT WORK DAYS. For employees hired on or after July
34 1, 2013, at the Arkansas State Hospital in the classifications listed below,
35 the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services Director shall
36 implement salary adjustments utilizing the approved pay grid for teachers
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As Engrossed: S3/17/25 S4/3/25 SB36
1 employed by the Arkansas Schools for the Blind and Deaf.
2 To achieve the salary adjustments, the Division of Aging, Adult, and
3 Behavioral Health Services is authorized to pay special rates of pay for
4 classifications at the Arkansas State Hospital listed below:
5 Classification Title Grade
6 E035C Certified Masters Teacher GS08
7 E044C Certified Bachelors Teacher GS06
8 Funding for the minimum compensation provided for in this section that
9 is supported in whole or in part from general revenues, shall, if required,
10 be provided by a transfer from the Performance Fund to the proper fund or
11 fund account and in such amounts as determined by the Chief Fiscal Officer of
12 the State. The Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services
13 shall in addition to the funds provided in this Act for Annual Career Service
14 Recognition Payments from the Performance Fund, make available any funding
15 generated from agency salary savings for such purposes from the funds or fund
16 accounts as provided by law.
17 For employees hired on or after July 1, 2013, at the Arkansas State
18 Hospital in the classifications listed above either a Certified Masters
19 Teacher or a Certified Bachelors Teacher, the Division of Aging, Adult, and
20 Behavioral Health Services Director shall set the number of work days for the
21 employment year to equal the number of days worked by those employed in the
22 same classifications at the Arkansas Schools for the Blind and Deaf. The
23 accrual, use, and carryover of sick days, personal days, and holidays of the
24 employees at the Arkansas State Hospital that are hired on or after July 1,
25 2013, or current employees choosing to adopt this plan, shall be treated in
26 the same manner as those employed in the same classifications at the Arkansas
27 Schools for the Blind and Deaf.
28 Those currently employed at the Arkansas State Hospital in the
29 classifications listed above as of June 30, 2013, have the one-time option of
30 adopting this language or continuing to operate under the same salary, leave
31 and benefit plans they are currently receiving. Employees must make their
32 decision by June 30, 2013.
33 Accrued annual and holiday leave, up to 240 hours, as of June 30,
34 2013, will be paid out to current employees choosing to adopt this plan. Any
35 additional accrued annual and holiday leave will be forfeited. Accrued sick
36 leave, as of June 30, 2013, shall be retained on file and shall be exhausted
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As Engrossed: S3/17/25 S4/3/25 SB36
1 before any newly accrued sick leave may be taken.
2 All employees affected by this section shall be eligible to receive
3 hazardous duty pay for time worked in eligible areas.
4 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
5 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
6
7 SECTION 18. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
8 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. CARRY
9 FORWARD - COMMUNITY BASED CRISIS INTERVENTION CRISIS SERVICES. Any unexpended
10 balance of funds allocated for Community Based Crisis Intervention Crisis
11 Services in the Department of Human Services - Division of Aging, Adult, and
12 Behavioral Health Services from the Behavioral Health Services Fund Account
13 which remains at the close of each state fiscal year shall be carried forward
14 to the next state fiscal year to be used for the same intent and purposes as
15 set forth in law. Any carry forward of unexpended balance of funding as
16 authorized herein may be carried forward under the following conditions:
17 (1) Prior to June 30, 2024 2025, the Agency shall, by written
18 statement, set forth its reason(s) for the need to carry forward said funding
19 to the Department of Finance and Administration Office of Budget;
20 (2) The Department of Finance and Administration Office of Budget shall
21 report to the Arkansas Legislative Council all amounts carried forward by the
22 September Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee meeting
23 which report shall include the name of the Agency, Board, Commission, or
24 Institution and the amount of the funding carried forward, the program name
25 or line item, the funding source of that appropriation and a copy of the
26 written request set forth in (1) above;
27 (3) Each Agency, Board, Commission, or Institution shall provide a
28 written report to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee
29 containing all information set forth in item (2) above, along with a written
30 statement as to the current status of the project, contract, purpose, etc.
31 for which the carry forward was originally requested no later than thirty
32 (30) days prior to the time the Agency, Board, Commission, or Institution
33 presents its budget request to the Arkansas Legislative Council/Joint Budget
34 Committee; and
35 (4) Thereupon, the Department of Finance and Administration shall
36 include all information obtained in item (3) above in the budget manuals
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1 and/or a statement of non-compliance by the Agency, Board, Commission, or
2 Institution.
3 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1,
4 2024 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
5
6 SECTION 19. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
7 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. AGING AND
8 ADULT SERVICES - MATCHING FUNDS. The funds appropriated for state match for
9 the Arkansas Senior Olympics Program in this Act shall be paid on a two-to-
10 one state/local matching basis. The Senior Arkansas Sports Organization must
11 certify its portion of the match to the Division of Aging, Adult, and
12 Behavioral Health Services before any funds appropriated for state match for
13 the Arkansas Senior Olympics Program in this Act are disbursed.
14 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
15 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
16
17 SECTION 20. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
18 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. AGING AND
19 ADULT SERVICES - NURSING HOME CARE ALTERNATIVES. Funding for "Nursing Home
20 Care Alternatives", as it appears in the Aging and Adult Services -
21 Operations appropriation may be used for home delivered meals, adult day
22 care, homemaker/chore, respite care, personal care, health promotion, and
23 other community-based activities. These funds may also be used to match
24 Medicaid community-based programs.
25 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
26 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
27
28 SECTION 21. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
29 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. SENIOR
30 CITIZEN CENTERS. The appropriation in this act for Senior Citizen Centers
31 shall be distributed in the same manner as the funding formula requirements
32 set out in the federal Older Americans Act funding law. The additional
33 funding provided by this provision shall supplement and not supplant any
34 monies currently funding services for Senior Citizen Centers.
35 The requirements in this section shall only be implemented in accordance
36 with any necessary approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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1 and in the event that additional general revenue funding is provided by the
2 General Assembly for these purposes. Should additional funding provided for
3 these purposes be insufficient to provide for the increases in full, the
4 increases shall be provided to the extent that funding is made available.
5 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
6 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
7
8 SECTION 22. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
9 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. CARRY
10 FORWARD OF UNOBLIGATED GENERAL REVENUE FUNDS FOR SENIOR CITIZEN CENTERS. (a)
11 On June 30, 2019, or as soon as is practicable to determine funds available
12 as authorized in this Section, and each fiscal year thereafter the Chief
13 Fiscal Officer of the State shall cause to be transferred on his or her books
14 and those of the State Treasurer and Auditor of State the balance of
15 unobligated general revenue funds, excluding funds carried forward for other
16 purposes, remaining in the Fund or Fund Accounts and the corresponding paying
17 accounts as determined by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, as set out
18 in subsection (b) herein, to the Department of Human Services - Division of
19 Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services paying account to be used
20 exclusively for the disbursement of funds for Senior Citizen Centers in the
21 amount of recouped and recovered general revenue not to exceed five hundred
22 thousand dollars ($500,000).
23 (b) Any unobligated general revenue, excluding funds carried forward for
24 other purposes, remaining in the following Fund or Fund Accounts and the
25 corresponding paying accounts at the end of the Fiscal Year that would
26 normally be transferred into the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund as
27 recouped or recovered General Revenue shall be transferred as authorized in
28 subsection (a) herein:
29 (1) Department of Human Services Administration Fund Account;
30 (2) Children and Family Services Fund Account;
31 (3) Youth Services Fund Account;
32 (4) Developmental Disabilities Services Fund Account;
33 (5) Medical Services Fund Account;
34 (6) Behavioral Health Services Fund Account;
35 (7) County Operations Fund Account; and
36 (8) Provider Services and Quality Assurance Fund Account.
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1 (c)(1) Any general revenue recouped or recovered as authorized in
2 subsections (a) and (b) herein shall be carried forward to the following
3 fiscal year for Senior Citizen Centers and shall be distributed in the same
4 manner as the funding formula requirements set out in the federal Older
5 Americans Act funding law.
6 (2) The additional funding provided by this provision shall supplement
7 and not supplant any monies currently funding services for Senior Citizen
8 Centers.
9 (d) Should additional funding provided for in subsections (a) and (b)
10 herein be insufficient to provide for the full five hundred thousand dollars
11 ($500,000) authorized, the increases shall be provided to the extent that
12 general revenue is recouped and carried forward.
13 (e)(1) The Department of Human Services shall provide a written report to
14 the Department of Finance and Administration Budget Office, the Arkansas
15 Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee the total amount of general
16 revenue carried forward and distributed as set forth in this section no later
17 than thirty (30) days prior to the time the Department presents its budget
18 request to the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.
19 (2) The Department of Finance and Administration shall include all
20 information obtained in subsection (e)(1) herein in the budget manual
21 submitted to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee for
22 the Department.
23
24 SECTION 23. SPECIAL LANGUAGE - CODE AMENDMENT. Arkansas Code Title 20,
25 Subtitle 5, Chapter 76, is amended to add an additional subchapter to read as
26 follows:
27 Subchapter 9 -- Fight Senior Hunger Community Grant Match Program
28
29 20-76-901. Fight Senior Hunger Community Grant Match Program --
30 Creation -- Definitions.
31 (a) There is created a grant program to be known as the "Fight Senior
32 Hunger Community Grant Match Program" to incentivize Arkansas counties,
33 cities, and nonprofit organizations to help fight senior hunger in their
34 respective communities.
35 (b) The Department of Human Services is authorized to award a grant to
36 a county, city, or nonprofit organization from funds provided if:
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1 (1) The county, city, or nonprofit organization develops a
2 written plan for providing meals or food to senior citizens in its community
3 and submits the written plan to the Department of Human Services - Division
4 of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for approval; and
5 (2) The members of the county quorum court, city council, or
6 nonprofit organization submits proof that, through either donations of money
7 or property in kind, citizens of the county or city, or persons associated
8 with the nonprofit organization, have pledged or will make available no less
9 than one-half (1/2) of the cost of the program.
10 (c)(1) Except as provided in subdivision (c)(2) of this section, upon
11 the Department of Human Services - Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral
12 Health Services approval of compliance required by subdivision (b)(1) of this
13 section, the department may approve a state grant to be used for the benefit
14 of the county, city, or nonprofit organization program in an amount that
15 equals up to one-half (1/2) of the estimated program cost.
16 (2) The state's share of the county, city, or nonprofit
17 organization program shall not exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000).
18 (d) As used in this section:
19 (1) "Nonprofit organization" means an organization formed under
20 Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as it existed on January 1,
21 2025; and
22 (2) "Property in kind" is limited to kitchen and dining space
23 operational costs that would be associated with the county, city, or
24 nonprofit organization's program.
25
26 20-76-902. Reporting.
27 Each Area Agency on Aging shall report on its active programs and
28 expenditures to address senior food insecurity under this subchapter to the:
29 (1) House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative
30 and Military Affairs at least one (1) time each year and during a legislative
31 session; and
32 (2) Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth at least one
33 (1) time each year during a legislative interim.
34
35 SECTION 24. COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER LAWS. Disbursement of funds
36 authorized by this act shall be limited to the appropriation for such agency
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1 and funds made available by law for the support of such appropriations; and
2 the restrictions of the State Procurement Law, the General Accounting and
3 Budgetary Procedures Law, the Revenue Stabilization Law, the Regular Salary
4 Procedures and Restrictions Act, or their successors, and other fiscal
5 control laws of this State, where applicable, and regulations promulgated by
6 the Department of Finance and Administration, as authorized by law, shall be
7 strictly complied with in disbursement of said funds.
8
9 SECTION 25. LEGISLATIVE INTENT. It is the intent of the General
10 Assembly that any funds disbursed under the authority of the appropriations
11 contained in this act shall be in compliance with the stated reasons for
12 which this act was adopted, as evidenced by the Agency Requests, Executive
13 Recommendations and Legislative Recommendations contained in the budget
14 manuals prepared by the Department of Finance and Administration, letters, or
15 summarized oral testimony in the official minutes of the Arkansas Legislative
16 Council or Joint Budget Committee which relate to its passage and adoption.
17
18 SECTION 26. EMERGENCY CLAUSE. It is found and determined by the
19 General Assembly, that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas prohibits
20 the appropriation of funds for more than a one (1) year period; that the
21 effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 2025 is essential to the operation of
22 the agency for which the appropriations in this Act are provided, and that in
23 the event of an extension of the legislative session, the delay in the
24 effective date of this Act beyond July 1, 2025 could work irreparable harm
25 upon the proper administration and provision of essential governmental
26 programs. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act
27 being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health
28 and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 2025.
29
30 /s/Joint Budget Committee
31
32
33
34
35
36
18 04-03-2025 15:45:17 LCW020Every fact on this page links to its source, starting with the official bill record.