Arkansas Senate receives funding for staff and operations

The law sets aside $2,851,079 for Senate staff services and operating costs. The appropriation supports Arkansas Senate staff and operations, including up to 21 regular employees and two temporary or part-time employees. The money is payable from the State Central Services Fund. This appropriation covers the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

The law sets aside money for Senate orientation, computer systems, and facility work. The funding is for Arkansas Senate orientation, computer systems for the legislative process, and Senate facilities. Orientation money may cover per diem and mileage for senators attending the program held before a legislative session. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

The law sets aside up to $8 million from remaining balances in earlier Senate appropriations for Senate expenses. The funding is for necessary expenses of the Arkansas Senate of the Ninety-Fifth General Assembly. The money comes from balances remaining on June 30, 2026, in the specified earlier appropriations. Only balances remaining on June 30, 2026, may be used.

The law allows approved transfers between budget items and permits the Senate to exceed some salary limits. These provisions concern Arkansas Senate budget items and authorized Senate positions. A transfer requires the Senate Efficiency Committee and Secretary of the Senate to find the money is not needed for its stated purpose, Senate approval, and certification to the State Auditor. For recruitment or retention, the Senate may exceed maximum salary levels by up to 20% for no more than one-third of authorized positions. It may also exceed those levels for merit adjustments for all positions. The transfer and salary provisions apply under this act.