Shown verbatim: the complete text as captured from the official PDF posted by the Arkansas General Assembly, fetched 2026-07-23. Page and line markers are part of the official record; nothing is edited or removed. The official bill page.
Stricken language would be deleted from and underlined language would be added to present law.
1 State of Arkansas As Engrossed: S4/3/25
2 95th General Assembly
A Bill
3 Regular Session, 2025 SENATE BILL 37
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 COMMERCE
11 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026; AND FOR
12 OTHER PURPOSES.
13
14
15 Subtitle
16 AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
17 APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL
18 YEAR.
19
20
21 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS:
22
23 SECTION 1. REGULAR SALARIES � SHARED SERVICES. There is hereby
24 established for the Department of Commerce for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the
25 following maximum number of regular employees.
26 Maximum Annual
27 Maximum Salary Rate
28 Item Class No. of Fiscal Year
29 No. Code Title Employees 2025-2026
30 (1) SC002 ACOM SECRETARY OF COMMERCE 1 GRADE SE05
31 (2) G329C CHIEF WORKFORCE OFFICER 1 GRADE SE04
32 (3) N263N COMMERCE CHIEF OF STAFF 1 GRADE SE03
33 (4) A152C ACOM CHIEF FISCAL OFFICER 1 GRADE SE01
34 (5) G330C ACOM CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL II 1 GRADE SE01
35 (6) D150C ACOM CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER 1 GRADE IT12
36 (7) D002N STATE DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR LEAD 1 GRADE IT11
*MAH011* 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 (8) D001C STATE DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR 2 GRADE IT09
GRADE IT08
2 (9) D007C INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER 1 GRADE IT07
GRADE IT05
3 (10) D029C SENIOR GIS ANALYST 1 GRADE IT04
GRADE GS15
4 (11) D063C COMPUTER SUPPORT SPECIALIST 1 GRADE GS14
GRADE GS12
5 (12) D064C WEBSITE DEVELOPER 1 GRADE GS12
GRADE GS12
6 (13) N084N ACOM AEDC MRKT & COMM. DIR 1 GRADE GS12
GRADE GS12
7 (14) N066N ACOM CHIEF COMM & LEG. AFFAIRS 2 GRADE GS12
GRADE GS11
8 (15 A014C FISCAL DIVISION MANAGER 2 GRADE GS10
GRADE GS10
9 (16) G026N ACOM AEDC ASSISTANT DIR. MGMT SVS 1 GRADE GS10
GRADE GS09
10 (17) G030N ACOM AEDC ASST DIR OF STEM EDUCATION 1 GRADE GS09
11 (18) P007N ACOM DWS DIR. OF COMMUNICATIONS 1 GRADE GS08
GRADE GS08
12 (19) P078C ACOM ARS DIR. OF COMMUNICATIONS 1 GRADE GS08
GRADE GS07
13 (20) R006C HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATOR 3 GRADE GS07
GRADE GS07
14 (21) R013C AGENCY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER 1 GRADE GS07
GRADE GS07
15 (22) A040C ACOM ADFA FISCAL PROGRAM MANAGER 1 GRADE GS07
GRADE GS07
16 (23) G076C ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES MANAGER 1 GRADE GS06
GRADE GS06
17 (24) X009C ACOM INSURANCE DEPT DIR OF SEC. OPS 1 GRADE GS06
GRADE GS06
18 (25) A038C FISCAL SUPPORT MANAGER 1 GRADE GS06
GRADE GS05
19 (26) A052C ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR 1 GRADE GS04
20 (27) A060C SENIOR AUDITOR 1
21 (28) A082C ACCOUNTANT II 4
22 (29) R014C PERSONNEL MANAGER 3
23 (30) A065C PAYROLL SERVICES COORDINATOR 1
24 (31) C114C ACOM EXECUTIVE ASST TO SECRETARY 1
25 (32) E040C STAFF DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR 1
26 (33) G148C ENERGY PROGRAM MANAGER 1
27 (34) G163C ACOM REHAB PROGRAM COORDINATOR 1
28 (35) G181C ACOM DWS PROGRAM MONITOR 1
29 (36) R024C ASSISTANT PERSONNEL MANAGER 2
30 (37) A080C ACOM FINANCE AUTHORITY SPECIALIST 1
31 (38) C037C ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST 1
32 (39) P027C PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST 1
33 (40) R025C HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST 5
34 (41) R027C BUDGET SPECIALIST 1
35 (42) R033C BENEFITS ANALYST 1
36 (43) R036C HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST 2
2 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 MAX. NO. OF EMPLOYEES 59
2
3 SECTION 2. APPROPRIATION - SHARED SERVICES PAYING ACCOUNT. There is
4 hereby appropriated, to the Department of Commerce, to be payable from the
5 paying account as determined by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for
6 personal services and operating expenses of the Department of Commerce -
7 Shared Services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
8
9 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
10 NO. 2025-2026
11 (01) REGULAR SALARIES $4,400,000
12 (02) PERSONAL SERVICES MATCHING 1,502,564
13 (03) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
14 (A) OPER. EXPENSE 500,000
15 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 200,000
16 (C) PROF. FEES 100,000
17 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 100,000
18 (E) DATA PROC. 0
19 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $6,802,564
20
21 SECTION 3. APPROPRIATION - ARKANSAS WINE PRODUCERS COUNCIL. There is
22 hereby appropriated, to the Department of Commerce, to be payable from the
23 Miscellaneous Agencies Fund Account, for miscellaneous grants and expenses of
24 the Department of Commerce - Arkansas Wine Producers Council for the fiscal
25 year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
26
27 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
28 NO. 2025-2026
29 (01) ARKANSAS WINE PRODUCERS COUNCIL $5,000
30
31 SECTION 4. APPROPRIATION - ARKANSAS WINE TOURISM FACILITY. There is
32 hereby appropriated, to the Department of Commerce, to be payable from the
33 Tourism Development Trust Fund, for land acquisition, construction, lease,
34 equipment acquisition, improvements, renovation, major maintenance, personal
35 services, maintenance and operating expenses associated with the wine tourism
36 facility in Franklin County, Arkansas for the fiscal year ending June 30,
3 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 2026, the following:
2
3 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
4 NO. 2025-2026
5 (01) ARKANSAS WINE TOURISM FACILITY
6 EXPENSES $1,250,000
7
8 SECTION 5. REGULAR SALARIES. There is hereby established for the
9 Department of Commerce - Arkansas Economic Development Commission for the
10 2025-2026 fiscal year, the following maximum number of regular employees.
11
12 Maximum Annual
13 Maximum Salary Rate
14 Item Class No. of Fiscal Year
15 No. Code Title Employees 2025-2026
16 (1) U055U ACOM AEDC DIRECTOR 1 GRADE SE04
17 (2) U063U ACOM CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER 1 GRADE SE01
18 (3) N214N ACOM AEDC EXEC VP GLOBAL BUSINESS 1 GRADE SE01
19 (4) D029C SENIOR GIS ANALYST 1 GRADE IT07
20 (5) N062N ACOM AEDC BUSINESS DEV DIV DIR 1 GRADE GS15
21 (6) N061N ACOM AEDC BUSINESS FINANCE DIRECTOR 1 GRADE GS15
22 (7) N225N ACOM AEDC EXEC VP & GEN COUNSEL 1 GRADE GS15
23 (8) N085N ACOM AEDC DIR TECH & ENTREPRENEURSHIP 1 GRADE GS14
24 (9) G294C ACOM AEDC SENIOR COUNSEL 1 GRADE GS14
25 (10) N059N ACOM AEDC TRAINING DIVISION DIRECTOR 1 GRADE GS14
26 (11) B139C ACOM AEDC DIRECTOR OF EPSCOR 2 GRADE GS13
27 (12) B140C ACOM AEDC MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS DIR 1 GRADE GS13
28 (13) N196N MILITARY AFFAIRS DIRECTOR 1 GRADE GS13
29 (14) G034N ACOM AEDC ASST DIR SALES AND MARKETING 1 GRADE GS12
30 (15) G245C ACOM AEDC DIR COMMUNITY DEV & IMPROVE 1 GRADE GS12
31 (16) G014C ACOM AEDC DIR OF COMMUNITY DEV 1 GRADE GS12
32 (17) B018N ACOM AEDC FIELD ENGINEER 3 GRADE GS12
33 (18) G035N ACOM AEDC SALES AND MARKETING SPEC 1 GRADE GS12
34 (19) G273C ACOM AEDC SENIOR PROJECT CONSULTANT 4 GRADE GS12
35 (20) G015C ACOM AEDC SMALL/MINORITY BUSINESS DIR 1 GRADE GS12
36 (21) U099U ACOM DIRECTOR OF RURAL SERVICES 1 GRADE GS12
4 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 (22) G025C ATTORNEY SUPERVISOR 1 GRADE GS12
2 (23) B016C ACOM AEDC ASSISTANT DIRECTOR EPSCOR 1 GRADE GS11
3 (24) P076C ACOM AEDC DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR 1 GRADE GS11
4 (25) G062C ACOM AEDC PROJECT CONSULTANT 26 GRADE GS11
5 (26) G048C ACOM AEDC STRATEGIC PLAN ASST DIR 1 GRADE GS11
6 (27) A052C ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR 1 GRADE GS09
7 (28) P004C PUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGER 1 GRADE GS09
8 (29) R021C BUDGET ANALYST 1 GRADE GS08
9 (30) A116C BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER 1 GRADE GS08
10 (31) G126C FINANCE PROGRAM COORDINATOR 1 GRADE GS08
11 (32) A041C PROGRAM FISCAL MANAGER 1 GRADE GS08
12 (33) E023C TRAINING PROJECT MANAGER 2 GRADE GS08
13 (34) NG159C DEPARTMENT BUSINESS COORDINATOR 1 GRADE GS07
14 (35) C010C EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR 1 GRADE GS07
15 (36) G147C GRANTS COORDINATOR 1 GRADE GS07
16 (37) C037C ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST 2 GRADE GS06
17 (38) R022C BENEFITS COORDINATOR 1 GRADE GS06
18 (39) P027C PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST 2 GRADE GS06
19 (40) B076C RESEARCH PROJECT ANALYST 1 GRADE GS06
20 (41) C056C ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST III 6 GRADE GS04
21 MAX. NO. OF EMPLOYEES 70
22
23 SECTION 6. EXTRA HELP. There is hereby authorized, for the Department
24 of Commerce - Arkansas Economic Development Commission for the 2025-2026
25 fiscal year, the following maximum number of part-time or temporary
26 employees, to be known as "Extra Help", payable from funds appropriated
27 herein for such purposes: seven (7) temporary or part-time employees, when
28 needed, at rates of pay not to exceed those provided in the Uniform
29 Classification and Compensation Act, or its successor, or this act for the
30 appropriate classification.
31
32 SECTION 7. APPROPRIATION - STATE OPERATIONS. There is hereby
33 appropriated, to the Department of Commerce, to be payable from the Arkansas
34 Economic Development Commission Fund Account, for personal services,
35 operating expenses, grants and aid, and state matching funds of the
36 Department of Commerce - Arkansas Economic Development Commission - State
5 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 Operations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
2
3 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
4 NO. 2025-2026
5 (01) REGULAR SALARIES $3,967,320
6 (02) EXTRA HELP 50,000
7 (03) PERSONAL SERVICES MATCHING 1,366,101
8 (04) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
9 (A) OPER. EXPENSE 1,450,650
10 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 141,486
11 (C) PROF. FEES 1,765,000
12 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
13 (E) DATA PROC. 0
14 (05) ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE/REGIONALISM
15 GRANTS 877,588
16 (06) GLOBAL BUSINESS INITIATIVES 900,000
17 (07) MILITARY AFFAIRS GRANT PROGRAM 750,000
18 (08) INDUSTRY TRAINING PROGRAM 1,714,800
19 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $12,982,945
20
21 SECTION 8. APPROPRIATION - COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE (CDBG) - FEDERAL.
22 There is hereby appropriated, to the Department of Commerce, to be payable
23 from the federal funds as designated by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the
24 State, for personal services and operating expenses of the Department of
25 Commerce - Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Community Assistance
26 (CDBG) - Federal for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
27
28 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
29 NO. 2025-2026
30 (01) REGULAR SALARIES $382,165
31 (02) PERSONAL SERVICES MATCHING 136,675
32 (03) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
33 (A) OPER. EXPENSE 60,600
34 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 25,000
35 (C) PROF. FEES 70,000
36 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
6 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 (E) DATA PROC. 0
2 (04) GRANTS/AIDS - CDBG 48,261,988
3 (05) STORM RECOVERY GRANTS 7,579,614
4 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $56,516,042
5
6 SECTION 9. APPROPRIATION - CDBG DISASTER RECOVERY. There is hereby
7 appropriated, to the Department of Commerce - Arkansas Economic Development
8 Commission, to be payable from the federal funds as designated by the Chief
9 Fiscal Officer of the State, for addressing long term recovery and
10 restoration of infrastructure, housing and economic revitalization in the
11 most impacted and distressed areas of the State for the fiscal year ending
12 June 30, 2026, the following:
13
14 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
15 NO. 2025-2026
16 (01) CDBG DISASTER RECOVERY $8,933,441
17
18 SECTION 10. APPROPRIATION - ARKANSAS ACCELERATION FUND. There is
19 hereby appropriated, to the Department of Commerce, to be payable from the
20 Arkansas Acceleration Fund, for grants and incentives to accelerate the
21 economy of the State through technology and knowledge-based development of
22 of the Department of Commerce - Arkansas Economic Development Commission -
23 Arkansas Acceleration Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the
24 following:
25
26 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
27 NO. 2025-2026
28 (01) ACCELERATION GRANTS & INCENTIVES $5,000,000
29
30 SECTION 11. APPROPRIATION - SUPER PROJECTS. There is hereby
31 appropriated, to the Department of Commerce, to be payable from the Economic
32 Development Superprojects Project Fund, for Super Projects as defined by
33 Amendment 82 to the Arkansas Constitution of the Department of Commerce -
34 Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Super Projects for the fiscal year
35 ending June 30, 2026, the following:
36
7 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
2 NO. 2025-2026
3 (01) SUPER PROJECTS $6,000,000
4
5 SECTION 12. APPROPRIATION - NEW MARKETS PERFORMANCE PROGRAM. There is
6 hereby appropriated, to the Department of Commerce, to be payable from the
7 New Markets Performance Guarantee Fund, for refunds and reimbursements of
8 performance program application fees of the Department of Commerce - Arkansas
9 Economic Development Commission - New Markets Performance Program for the
10 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
11
12 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
13 NO. 2025-2026
14 (01) REFUNDS/REIMBURSEMENTS $142,266
15
16 SECTION 13. APPROPRIATION - QUICK ACTION CLOSING FUND. There is hereby
17 appropriated, to the Department of Commerce, to be payable from the Economic
18 Development Incentive Quick Action Closing Fund, for incentives to attract
19 new business and economic development to the State by the Department of
20 Commerce - Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Quick Action Closing
21 Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
22
23 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
24 NO. 2025-2026
25 (01) QUICK ACTION CLOSING GRANTS $75,000,000
26
27 SECTION 14. APPROPRIATION - DIVISION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - STATE
28 OPERATIONS. There is hereby appropriated, to the Department of Commerce, to
29 be payable from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Fund Account,
30 for personal services, operating expenses and grants and aid by the Division
31 of Science and Technology of the Department of Commerce - Arkansas Economic
32 Development Commission - State Operations for the fiscal year ending June 30,
33 2026, the following:
34
35 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
36 NO. 2025-2026
8 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 (01) REGULAR SALARIES $393,695
2 (02) PERSONAL SERVICES MATCHING 147,361
3 (03) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
4 (A) OPER. EXPENSE 0
5 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 0
6 (C) PROF. FEES 0
7 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
8 (E) DATA PROC. 0
9 (04) GRANTS & AID - ARKANSAS RESEARCH MATCH 1,092,653
10 (05) TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT 156,975
11 (06) SEED CAPITAL INVESTMENTS 292,653
12 (07) ARKANSAS ACCELERATION FUND PROGRAM 11,600,000
13 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $13,683,337
14
15 SECTION 15. APPROPRIATION - DIVISION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - SEED
16 CAPITAL INVESTMENT - CASH. There is hereby appropriated, to the Department
17 of Commerce, to be payable from the cash fund deposited in the State Treasury
18 as determined by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for investments in
19 technology based businesses by the Division of Science and Technology of the
20 Department of Commerce - Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Seed
21 Capital Investment - Cash for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the
22 following:
23
24 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
25 NO. 2025-2026
26 (01) INVESTMENTS $1,040,000
27
28 SECTION 16. APPROPRIATION - RURAL SERVICES DIVISION - STATE OPERATIONS.
29 There is hereby appropriated, to the Department of Commerce, to be payable
30 from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Fund Account, for personal
31 services, operating expenses and grants and aid by the Department of Commerce
32 - Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Rural Services Division - State
33 Operations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
34
35 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
36 NO. 2025-2026
9 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 (01) REGULAR SALARIES $154,934
2 (02) EXTRA HELP 2,000
3 (03) PERSONAL SERVICES MATCHING 63,022
4 (04) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
5 (A) OPER. EXPENSE 72,038
6 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 4,100
7 (C) PROF. FEES 0
8 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
9 (E) DATA PROC. 0
10 (05) GRANTS & AID -RURAL COMMUNITY GRANTS 500,000
11 (06) RURAL FIRE PROTECTION GRANTS 900,000
12 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $1,696,094
13
14 SECTION 17. APPROPRIATION - RURAL SERVICES DIVISION - CONFERENCE CASH.
15 There is hereby appropriated, to the Department of Commerce, to be payable
16 from the cash fund deposited in the State Treasury as determined by the Chief
17 Fiscal Officer of the State, for conference expenses of the Rural Services
18 Division of the Department of Commerce - Arkansas Economic Development
19 Commission - Conference Cash for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the
20 following:
21
22 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
23 NO. 2025-2026
24 (01) CONFERENCE EXPENSES $150,000
25
26 SECTION 18. APPROPRIATION - ARKANSAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION -
27 RURAL SERVICES - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EDUCATION PROGRAM. There is
28 hereby appropriated, to the Department of Commerce, to be payable from the
29 cash fund deposited in the State Treasury as determined by the Chief Fiscal
30 Officer of the State, for grants and operating expenses for the Fish and
31 Wildlife Conservation Education Program by the Department of Commerce -
32 Arkansas Economic Development Commission for the fiscal year ending June 30,
33 2026, the following:
34
35 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
36 NO. 2025-2026
10 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 (01) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
2 (A) OPER. EXPENSE $0
3 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 0
4 (C) PROF. FEES 0
5 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 50,000
6 (E) DATA PROC. 0
7 (02) FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
8 EDUCATION GRANTS AND AID 800,000
9 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $850,000
10
11 SECTION 19. APPROPRIATION - MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS
12 ENTERPRISE LOAN MOBILIZATION. There is hereby appropriated, to the
13 Department of Commerce - Arkansas Economic Development Commission, to be
14 payable from the Minority and Women-Owned Business Loan Mobilization
15 Revolving Fund, for promotion and development of minority and women-owned
16 business enterprises in the state, increasing the ability of minority and
17 women-owned business enterprises to compete for state contracts, and
18 sustaining the economic growth of minority and women-owned businesses for the
19 fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
20
21 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
22 NO. 2025-2026
23 (01) MINORITY & WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS
24 ENTERPRISE MOBILIZATION LOAN $500,000
25
26 SECTION 20. APPROPRIATION - RURAL SERVICES DIVISION - LAW ENFORCEMENT
27 GRANTS. There is hereby appropriated, to the Department of Commerce -
28 Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Rural Services Division, to be
29 payable from the cash fund deposited in the State Treasury as determined by
30 the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for grants to law enforcement agencies
31 and associations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
32
33 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
34 NO. 2025-2026
35 (01) GRANTS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES $5,000,000
36
11 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 SECTION 21. APPROPRIATION - DIVISION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - EPSCOR
2 - FEDERAL. There is hereby appropriated, to the Department of Commerce -
3 Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Division of Science and
4 Technology, to be payable from the federal funds as designated by the Chief
5 Fiscal Officer of the State, for strengthening research and education in
6 science and engineering in Arkansas for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026,
7 the following:
8
9 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
10 NO. 2025-2026
11 (01) REGULAR SALARIES $252,663
12 (02) PERSONAL SERVICES MATCHING 135,519
13 (03) MAINT. & GEN. OPERATION
14 (A) OPER. EXPENSE 254,080
15 (B) CONF. & TRAVEL 305,735
16 (C) PROF. FEES 447,470
17 (D) CAP. OUTLAY 0
18 (E) DATA PROC. 0
19 (04) GRANTS AND AID - RESEARCH & EDUCATION 5,000,000
20 (05) INDIRECT FACILITIES AND ADMIN 34,502
21 (06) EXTERNAL EVALUATORS 400,000
22 TOTAL AMOUNT APPROPRIATED $6,829,969
23
24 SECTION 22. APPROPRIATION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE - PAYROLL
25 REBATE. There is hereby appropriated, to the Department of Commerce, to be
26 payable from the Economic Development Incentive Fund for financial incentives
27 to companies locating a new facility or expanding an existing facility with
28 the State of Arkansas for companies that hire and maintain specified levels
29 of employment for the Department of Commerce - Arkansas Economic Development
30 Commission for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
31
32 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
33 NO. 2025-2026
34 (01) GRANTS AND AID - PAYROLL REBATE $37,500,000
35
36
12 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 SECTION 23. APPROPRIATION - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE - RECYCLE
2 TAX CREDIT. There is hereby appropriated, to the Department of Commerce -
3 Arkansas Economic Development Commission, to be payable from the Economic
4 Development Incentive Fund to provide recycling tax credits in accordance
5 with Arkansas Code 26-51-506 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the
6 following:
7
8 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
9 NO. 2025-2026
10 (01) GRANTS AND AID - RECYCLING TAX CREDITS $42,000,000
11
12 SECTION 24. APPROPRIATION - RURAL SERVICES DIVISION - ANIMAL RESCUE AND
13 SHELTER GRANTS. There is hereby appropriated, to the Department of Commerce
14 - Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Rural Services Division, to be
15 payable from the Animal Rescue and Shelter Trust Fund, for grants to a county
16 or municipality based only on the infrastructure needs for animal rescues or
17 animal shelters for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
18
19 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
20 NO. 2025-2026
21 (01) ANIMAL RESCUE AND SHELTER GRANTS $50,000"
22
23 SECTION 25. APPROPRIATION - RURAL SERVICES DIVISION - COMMUNITY
24 ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM. There is hereby appropriated, to the Department of
25 Commerce - Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Rural Services Division
26 - Community Assistance Grant Program, to be payable from the paying account
27 as determined by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for community
28 assistance grants for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the following:
29
30 ITEM FISCAL YEAR
31 NO. 2025-2026
32 (01) COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM $10,000,000"
33
34 SECTION 26. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
35 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW.
36 REALLOCATION OF RESOURCES - DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. Upon determination by the
13 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 Secretary of the Department of Commerce that a reallocation of resources for
2 purposes of reorganization or consolidation of administrative functions
3 within or between divisions is necessary for efficient and effective
4 operations of the department, the Secretary, with approval of the Governor
5 and prior approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee,
6 shall have the authority to request from the Chief Fiscal Officer of the
7 State, a transfer of positions, appropriations, programs, and funds between
8 divisions or other budgetary units of the department. The transfers of
9 positions, programs, or activities shall be used for those purposes for which
10 the appropriations were approved by the General Assembly. Upon approval by
11 the Governor, the Secretary of the Department of Commerce shall request to
12 the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, a transfer of positions, programs,
13 funds, appropriations, and/or line-item appropriations within or between
14 existing and newly created divisions, offices, sections and/or units. The
15 Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall then initiate the necessary transfer
16 documents to reflect transfers upon the fiscal records of the State
17 Treasurer, the State Auditor, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, and
18 Divisions of the Commerce Department. Provided, however, that the Secretary
19 shall be limited to submitting no more than two (2) individual transaction
20 transfer requests during any fiscal year.
21 Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of
22 appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year
23 is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by
24 delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and
25 the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by
26 amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly
27 has determined that the Department of Commerce may operate more efficiently
28 if some flexibility is provided to the Department of Commerce under the
29 Reallocation of Resources provisions herein. Therefore, it is both necessary
30 and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight by requiring
31 prior approval of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee as
32 provided by this section. The requirement of approval by the Legislative
33 Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this section.
34 If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget
35 Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court jurisdiction, this entire
36 section is void.
14 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1,
2 2025 through June 30, 2026.
3
4 SECTION 27. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
5 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. FUND
6 TRANSFER PROVISION. As requested from time to time by the Director of the
7 Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the Chief Fiscal Officer may
8 transfer on his books and those of the State Treasurer and the Auditor of the
9 State, the sum not to exceed five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) from
10 the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Fund Account to the Minority and
11 Women-Owned Business Loan Mobilization Revolving Fund, to provide funds for
12 the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Loan Mobilization
13 appropriation herein.
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 28. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
18 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. CARRY
19 FORWARD � MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS LOAN MOBILIZATION REVOLVING FUND.
20 Any unexpended balance of funds for the Minority and Women-Owned Business
21 Enterprise Loan Mobilization appropriation which remain at the close of each
22 state fiscal year shall be carried forward to the next state fiscal year to
23 be used for the same intent and purposes as set forth in law.
24 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
25 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
26
27 SECTION 29. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
28 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. TRANSFER
29 PROVISION � STATE OPERATIONS. After receiving approval from the Chief
30 Fiscal Officer of the State and prior review by the Legislative Council or
31 Joint Budget Committee, the Director of the Arkansas Economic Development
32 Commission is authorized to transfer appropriation from any line item
33 appropriation authorized in the State Operations Section of this Act to any
34 other line item authorized in the State Operations Section of this Act.
35 Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of
36 appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year
15 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by
2 delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and
3 the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by
4 amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Law. Further, the General Assembly
5 has determined that the Arkansas Economic Development Commission may operate
6 more efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Arkansas Economic
7 Development Commission authorizing broad powers under this
8 Section. Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General
9 Assembly maintain oversight by requiring prior review of the Legislative
10 Council or Joint Budget Committee as provided by this section. The
11 requirement of review by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is
12 not a severable part of this section. If the requirement of review by the
13 Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a
14 court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.
15 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1,
16 2024 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
17
18 SECTION 30. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
19 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. FOREIGN
20 OFFICE OPERATIONS. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission is hereby
21 authorized to enter into contractual arrangements with private and/or public
22 companies, corporations, individuals or organizations for the purpose of
23 operating foreign offices which shall only (i) provide export trade
24 assistance to Arkansas-based businesses, (ii) facilitate the repatriation to
25 Arkansas manufacturing businesses operating overseas, and (iii) encourage
26 direct investment in Arkansas of foreign companies that are not state-owned
27 or controlled. Arkansas Code 15-4-210 shall not be deemed restrictive in its
28 language so as to preclude the use of standard Professional Services
29 Contracts for the operation of the foreign offices and/or payment of such
30 contracts from the special line items as established by legislative
31 appropriation for the operation of said foreign offices.
32 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
33 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
34
35 SECTION 31. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
36 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. RURAL
16 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 DEVELOPMENT. From the funds appropriated for Community Development Grants
2 within the Community Development Program in this Act for Community Assistance
3 (CDBG) - Federal, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) shall
4 allocate at least $500,000 per fiscal year to the Rural Development Set-Aside
5 from the annual Community Development Block Grant, as defined in AEDC's
6 Consolidated Plan filed with the federal Department of Housing and Urban
7 Development. Funds allocated to the Rural Development Set-Aside are to be
8 used exclusively for grants to rural communities as defined in the
9 Consolidated Plan.
10 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
11 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
12
13 SECTION 32. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
14 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. GRANT
15 REVIEW. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) shall review all
16 applications for grant funds and shall certify those applications eligible
17 for grant funds under AEDC and federal guidelines. The Rural Services
18 Division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission alone shall
19 recommend which grant applications will be funded, and AEDC shall disburse
20 grant funds from the Rural Development Set-Aside to those applicants
21 receiving final approval by the Rural Services Division of the Arkansas
22 Economic Development Commission. AEDC and the Rural Services Division of the
23 Arkansas Economic Development Commission shall promulgate rules and
24 regulations governing the application for and disbursement of grant funds
25 from the Rural Development Set-Aside, and an annual report of the disposition
26 of these grant funds shall be made to the Legislative Joint Auditing
27 Committee.
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 33. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
32 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. TRANSFER
33 PROVISION - COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE (CDBG) - FEDERAL. After receiving approval
34 from the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and prior approval by the
35 Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee, the Director of the Arkansas
36 Economic Development Commission is authorized to transfer appropriation from
17 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 any line item appropriation authorized in the Community Assistance (CDBG) -
2 Federal Section of this Act to any other line item authorized in the
3 Community Assistance (CDBG) - Federal Section of this Act.
4 Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of
5 appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year
6 is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by
7 delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and
8 the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by
9 amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly
10 has determined that the Arkansas Economic Development Commission may operate
11 more efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Arkansas Economic
12 Development Commission authorizing broad powers under this Section.
13 Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly
14 maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or
15 Joint Budget Committee as provided by this section. The requirement of
16 approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a
17 severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the
18 Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a
19 court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.
20 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
21 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
22
23 SECTION 34. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
24 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW.
25 FLEXIBILITY RESTRICTIONS. The transfer flexibility provided to the Arkansas
26 Economic Development Commission within this Act relating to the appropriation
27 in the Community Assistance (CDBG) - Federal Section shall be used only when
28 necessary to carry out the Community Development Block Grant Program and
29 shall require approval by the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget
30 Committee.
31 Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of
32 appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year
33 is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by
34 delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and
35 the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by
36 amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly
18 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 has determined that the Arkansas Economic Development Commission may operate
2 more efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Arkansas Economic
3 Development Commission authorizing broad powers under this Section.
4 Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly
5 maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or
6 Joint Budget Committee as provided by this section. The requirement of
7 approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a
8 severable part of this section. If the requirement of approval by the
9 Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a
10 court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is void.
11 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
12 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
13
14 SECTION 35. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
15 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW.
16 ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS AUTHORIZED. The Arkansas Industrial and Economic
17 Development Foundation is hereby authorized to make additional payments to
18 the Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, from private
19 funding sources, and upon prior approval from the Arkansas Economic
20 Development Commission, the Arkansas Industrial and Economic Development
21 Foundation, and the Governor. Such additional payments to the Director of
22 the Arkansas Economic Development Commission shall not be considered salary
23 and shall not be deemed or construed to exceed the maximum salaries
24 established for unclassified employees by the General Assembly. Nothing in
25 this section may be construed to reduce or eliminate the authority granted
26 elsewhere in the Arkansas statute for the payment of allowances or bonuses to
27 unclassified employees.
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 36. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
32 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW.
33 CARRY FORWARD - INDUSTRY TRAINING PROGRAM. Any unexpended balance of funds
34 for the Industry Training Program in the Arkansas Economic Development
35 Commission Fund Account which remain at the close of each state fiscal year
36 shall be carried forward to the next state fiscal year to be used for the
19 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 same intent and purposes as set forth in law.
2 Any carry forward of unexpended balance of funding as authorized herein,
3 may be carried forward under the following conditions:
4 (1) Prior to June 30, 2025 2026 the Agency shall by written statement set
5 forth its reason(s) for the need to carry forward said funding to the
6 Department of Finance and Administration Office of Budget;
7 (2) The Department of Finance and Administration Office of Budget shall
8 report to the Arkansas Legislative Council all amounts carried forward by the
9 September Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee meeting
10 which report shall include the name of the Agency, Board, Commission or
11 Institution and the amount of the funding carried forward, the program name
12 or line item, the funding source of that appropriation and a copy of the
13 written request set forth in (1) above;
14 (3) Each Agency, Board, Commission or Institution shall provide a written
15 report to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee
16 containing all information set forth in item (2) above, along with a written
17 statement as to the current status of the project, contract, purpose etc. for
18 which the carry forward was originally requested no later than thirty (30)
19 days prior to the time the Agency, Board, Commission or Institution presents
20 its budget request to the Arkansas Legislative Council/Joint Budget
21 Committee; and
22 (4) Thereupon, the Department of Finance and Administration shall include
23 all information obtained in item (3) above in the budget manuals and/or a
24 statement of non-compliance by the Agency, Board, Commission or Institution.
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 37. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
29 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. CARRY
30 FORWARD � TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT. The Division of Science and Technology of
31 the Arkansas Economic Development Commission is authorized to carry forward
32 an amount of up to $150,000 of any obligated but unexpended funds in the
33 Technology Development line item in the Division of Science and Technology -
34 State Operations Section of this Act for basic or applied research grants
35 which remains at the end of the fiscal year 2025 2026 to be used for the same
36 purpose.
20 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 Any carry forward of unexpended balance of funding as authorized herein, may
2 be carried forward under the following conditions:
3 (1) Prior to June 30, 2025 2026 the Agency shall by written statement set
4 forth its reason(s) for the need to carry forward said funding to the
5 Department of Finance and Administration Office of Budget;
6 (2) The Department of Finance and Administration Office of Budget shall
7 report to the Arkansas Legislative Council all amounts carried forward by the
8 September Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee meeting
9 which report shall include the name of the Agency, Board, Commission or
10 Institution and the amount of the funding carried forward, the program name
11 or line item, the funding source of that appropriation and a copy of the
12 written request set forth in (1) above;
13 (3) Each Agency, Board, Commission or Institution shall provide a written
14 report to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee
15 containing all information set forth in item (2) above, along with a written
16 statement as to the current status of the project, contract, purpose etc. for
17 which the carry forward was originally requested no later than thirty (30)
18 days prior to the time the Agency, Board, Commission or Institution presents
19 its budget request to the Arkansas Legislative Council/Joint Budget
20 Committee; and
21 (4) Thereupon, the Department of Finance and Administration shall include
22 all information obtained in item (3) above in the budget manuals and/or a
23 statement of non-compliance by the Agency, Board, Commission or Institution.
24 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1 2024
25 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
26
27 SECTION 38. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
28 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW.
29 APPROPRIATION AND FUND TRANSFERS. After receiving approval from the Chief
30 Fiscal Officer of the State, the Director of the Arkansas Economic
31 Development Commission is authorized to transfer appropriation and funds from
32 the Division of Science and Technology State Operations - Arkansas
33 Acceleration Fund Programs line item within the Arkansas Economic Development
34 Commission Fund Account to the Arkansas Acceleration Fund. The total of all
35 transfers shall not exceed $3,500,000.
36 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
21 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
2
3 SECTION 39. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
4 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW.
5 PROMOTIONAL ITEMS. The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall establish,
6 upon request from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, a special
7 appropriation line item to be used in the acquisition of promotional items.
8 When the Arkansas Economic Development Commission wishes to transfer from its
9 operating expenses to promotional items, the request shall be forwarded to
10 the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State for processing after prior approval by
11 the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.
12 Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of
13 appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year
14 is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by
15 delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and
16 the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by
17 amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Law. Further, the General Assembly
18 has determined that the Arkansas Economic Development Commission may operate
19 more efficiently if some flexibility is provided to the Arkansas Economic
20 Development Commission authorizing broad powers under this Section.
21 Therefore, it is both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly
22 maintain oversight by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or
23 Joint Budget Committee as provided by this Section. The requirement of
24 approval by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a
25 severable part of this Section. If the requirement of approval by the
26 Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a
27 court of competent jurisdiction, this entire section is 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 40. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
32 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. GRANT
33 AWARD CRITERIA. The Rural Services Division of the Arkansas Economic
34 Development Commission shall promulgate rules establishing the criteria to be
35 utilized in determining to whom grants will be made under this Act. Subject
36 to the approval of the Governor, and approval by the Arkansas Legislative
22 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 Council or the Joint Budget Committee, the Rural Services Division of the
2 Arkansas Economic Development Commission shall distribute the grants.
3 Determining the maximum number of employees and the maximum amount of
4 appropriation and general revenue funding for a state agency each fiscal year
5 is the prerogative of the General Assembly. This is usually accomplished by
6 delineating such maximums in the appropriation act(s) for a state agency and
7 the general revenue allocations authorized for each fund and fund account by
8 amendment to the Revenue Stabilization law. Further, the General Assembly
9 has determined that the Rural Services Division of the Arkansas Economic
10 Development Commission may operate more efficiently if some flexibility is
11 provided to the Rural Services Division of the Arkansas Economic Development
12 Commission authorizing broad powers under this Section. Therefore, it is
13 both necessary and appropriate that the General Assembly maintain oversight
14 by requiring prior approval of the Legislative Council or Joint Budget
15 Committee as provided by this section. The requirement of approval by the
16 Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee is not a severable part of this
17 section. If the requirement of approval by the Legislative Council or Joint
18 Budget Committee is ruled unconstitutional by a court of competent
19 jurisdiction, this entire section is void.
20 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
21 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
22
23 SECTION 41. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
24 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. TRANSFER
25 OF FUNDS. In the event that revenue is available for transfer to and in
26 support of the Arkansas Acceleration Fund Act, the Executive Director of the
27 Arkansas Economic Development Commission shall certify to the Chief Fiscal
28 Officer of the State the amount needed for transfer from the Arkansas
29 Economic Development Commission Fund Account to the Arkansas Acceleration
30 Fund. Upon the approval of the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, the amount
31 certified shall be transferred. The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall
32 initiate the necessary transfer documents to reflect all such transfers upon
33 the fiscal records of the State Auditor, the State Treasurer and the Chief
34 Fiscal Officer of the State.
35 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
36 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
23 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1
2 SECTION 42. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
3 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. SHARED
4 SERVICES.
5 (a)(1) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may create a Shared
6 Services paying account on his or her books and on the books of the Treasurer
7 of State and the Auditor of State for the payment of personal services and
8 operating expenses in the Shared Services Paying Account Appropriation by the
9 Department of Commerce.
10 (2) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall direct the
11 transfer of funds and appropriations to the Shared Services Paying Account
12 appropriation section of this act on the books of the Treasurer of State, the
13 Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.
14 (3) The transfer authority provided to the department in
15 subdivision (a)(2) of this section may be used to make transfers only within
16 the department's appropriation act or between other appropriation acts
17 authorized for the department.
18 (4) The provisions of this section shall be in effect from the
19 date of passage through June 30, 2025 2026.
20
21 SECTION 43. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
22 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. CARRY
23 FORWARD - MILITARY AFFAIRS GRANT PROGRAM. Any unexpended balance of funds
24 allocated for the Military Affairs Grant Program in the Arkansas Economic
25 Development Commission Fund Account which remain at the close of each state
26 fiscal year shall be carried forward to the next state fiscal year to be used
27 for the same intent and purposes as set forth in law. Any carry forward of
28 unexpended balance of funding as authorized herein, may be carried forward
29 under the following conditions:
30 (1) Prior to June 30, 2025 2026 the Agency shall by written statement set
31 forth its reason(s) for the need to carry forward said funding to the
32 Department of Finance and Administration Office of Budget;
33 (2) The Department of Finance and Administration Office of Budget shall
34 report to the Arkansas Legislative Council all amounts carried forward by the
35 September Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee meeting
36 which report shall include the name of the Agency, Board, Commission or
24 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 Institution and the amount of the funding carried forward, the program name
2 or line item, the funding source of that appropriation and a copy of the
3 written request set forth in (1) above;
4 (3) Each Agency, Board, Commission or Institution shall provide a written
5 report to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee
6 containing all information set forth in item (2) above, along with a written
7 statement as to the current status of the project, contract, purpose etc. for
8 which the carry forward was originally requested no later than thirty (30)
9 days prior to the time the Agency, Board, Commission or Institution presents
10 its budget request to the Arkansas Legislative Council/Joint Budget
11 Committee; and
12 (4) Thereupon, the Department of Finance and Administration shall include
13 all information obtained in item (3) above in the budget manuals and/or a
14 statement of non-compliance by the Agency, Board, Commission or Institution.
15 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1, 2024
16 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
17
18 SECTION 44. SPECIAL LANGUAGE. NOT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARKANSAS
19 CODE NOR PUBLISHED SEPARATELY AS SPECIAL, LOCAL AND TEMPORARY LAW. CARRY
20 FORWARD - ARKANSAS ACCELERATION FUND PROGRAM. Any unexpended balance of
21 funds for the Arkansas Acceleration Fund Program line item in the Division of
22 Science and Technology - State Operations Section of this Act which remain at
23 the close of each state fiscal year shall be carried forward to the next
24 state fiscal year to be used for the same intent and purposes as set forth in
25 law.
26 Any carry forward of unexpended balance of funding as authorized herein, may
27 be carried forward under the following conditions:
28 (1) Prior to June 30, 2025 2026 the Agency shall by written statement set
29 forth its reasons(s) for the need to carry forward said funding to the
30 Department of Finance and Administration Office of Budget;
31 (2) The Department of Finance and Administration Office of Budget shall
32 report to the Arkansas Legislative Council all amounts carried forward by the
33 September Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee meeting,
34 which report shall include the name of the Agency, Board, Commission or
35 Institution and the amount of the funding carried forward, the program name
36 or line item, the funding source of the appropriation and a copy of the
25 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 written request set forth in (1) above;
2 (3) Each Agency, Board, Commission or Institution shall provide a written
3 report to the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee
4 containing all information set forth in item (2) above, along with a written
5 statement as to the current status of the project, contract, purpose, etc.
6 for which the carry forward was originally requested no later than thirty
7 (30) days prior to the time the Agency, Board, Commission or Institution
8 presents its budget request to the Arkansas Legislative Council/Joint Budget
9 Committee; and
10 (4) Thereupon, the Department of Finance and Administration shall include all
11 information obtained in item (3) above in the budget manuals and/or a
12 statement of non-compliance by the Agency, Board, Commission or Institution.
13 The provisions of this section shall be in effect only from July 1,
14 2024 2025 through June 30, 2025 2026.
15
16 SECTION 45. COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER LAWS. Disbursement of funds
17 authorized by this act shall be limited to the appropriation for such agency
18 and funds made available by law for the support of such appropriations; and
19 the restrictions of the State Procurement Law, the General Accounting and
20 Budgetary Procedures Law, the Revenue Stabilization Law, the Regular Salary
21 Procedures and Restrictions Act, or their successors, and other fiscal
22 control laws of this State, where applicable, and regulations promulgated by
23 the Department of Finance and Administration, as authorized by law, shall be
24 strictly complied with in disbursement of said funds.
25
26 SECTION 46. LEGISLATIVE INTENT. It is the intent of the General
27 Assembly that any funds disbursed under the authority of the appropriations
28 contained in this act shall be in compliance with the stated reasons for
29 which this act was adopted, as evidenced by the Agency Requests, Executive
30 Recommendations and Legislative Recommendations contained in the budget
31 manuals prepared by the Department of Finance and Administration, letters, or
32 summarized oral testimony in the official minutes of the Arkansas Legislative
33 Council or Joint Budget Committee which relate to its passage and adoption.
34
35 SECTION 47. EMERGENCY CLAUSE. It is found and determined by the
36 General Assembly, that the Constitution of the State of Arkansas prohibits
26 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011
As Engrossed: S4/3/25 SB37
1 the appropriation of funds for more than a one (1) year period; that the
2 effectiveness of this Act on July 1, 2025 is essential to the operation of
3 the agency for which the appropriations in this Act are provided, and that in
4 the event of an extension of the legislative session, the delay in the
5 effective date of this Act beyond July 1, 2025 could work irreparable harm
6 upon the proper administration and provision of essential governmental
7 programs. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Act
8 being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health
9 and safety shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 2025.
10
11 /s/Joint Budget Committee
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
27 04-03-2025 14:48:48 MAH011Every fact on this page links to its source, starting with the official bill record.