Arkansas State's biosciences institute gets $5.64 million in spending authority

Arkansas State University can spend up to $5,643,838 on its Arkansas Biosciences Institute. The money covers the institute's staff and operating costs. Money comes from the Arkansas Biosciences Institute Program Account of the Tobacco Settlement Program Fund. Spending cannot exceed available funds. The budget allows up to $2,149,024 for regular salaries, $15,914 for extra help, and $551,206 for employer costs tied to pay. It also allows up to $2,527,694 for operating expenses and $400,000 for major purchases. Spending must follow applicable state purchasing, salary, and financial control rules and the purposes stated for this budget. The law took effect July 1, 2026. The spending authorization covers the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

The law sets a maximum of 43 regular employees and annual salary limits for the institute. The staffing limits cover the institute's leadership, research staff, and support workers. They do not guarantee hiring or payment at the maximum salary. The state does not promise continued job funding if tobacco settlement money is insufficient. When tobacco settlement funds expire, replacement state money requires lawmakers to set it aside and the governor to authorize it. The Tobacco Settlement Commission must make these funding limits available to current staff and new hires. Where applicable, the limits must appear in employee handbooks or professional services contracts. The staffing limits and job funding rules apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Arkansas State University may move spending authority between budget items with prior approval. Transfers must stay within each spending authorization covered by this law. Transfers require approval from the Division of Higher Education, the state's chief fiscal officer, and either the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee. If a court rules the legislative approval requirement unconstitutional, the entire transfer permission becomes void. Transfers must follow this law rather than the separate transfer process in Arkansas Code 19-4-513. The transfer rules apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.