Arkansas sets spending limits for its workers’ compensation commission

The Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission may spend up to $11,905,835 on staff and administration. Staffing limits allow up to 105 regular employees and two temporary or part-time employees when needed. Spending comes from the Workers’ Compensation Fund and cannot exceed available money or the authorized limits. Temporary workers’ pay must stay within the applicable state pay limits. Repaid travel expenses must return to the same fund or account and credit the spending allowance that paid the original expense. Spending must follow state purchasing, accounting, and pay rules and the purposes approved by lawmakers. The spending, staffing, and travel repayment provisions apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The commission may spend up to $21,550,000 from the Death and Permanent Total Disability Trust Fund and $500,000 from the Second Injury Trust Fund. These limits cover the commission’s claim payments and refunds from the two trust funds. The first fund’s limit includes $21,000,000 for death and total disability claims and $550,000 for refunds or reimbursements. The separate $500,000 pays second injury claims. Payments cannot exceed available money in each named trust fund or the authorized limits. These spending limits apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The commission may spend up to $140,000 on scholarships and educational conference expenses. The spending authority covers the commission’s scholarships and educational conferences. Money comes from a cash fund held in the State Treasury, as determined by the state’s chief fiscal officer. The total includes $40,000 for scholarships, $85,000 for operating expenses, and $15,000 for professional fees. Spending cannot exceed available money in that fund or the authorized limits. This spending authority applies from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The commission may spend up to $150,000 on work at its building. Covered work includes repairs, renovations, and other improvements to the commission building. Money comes from the Workers’ Compensation Fund. Spending cannot exceed the $150,000 limit or the money available for that purpose. This spending authority applies from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.