Department of Health would receive tobacco-program funding for 2026-27

The Department of Health would be allowed to use up to $14,702,255 for tobacco prevention and cessation programs, including salaries, operating costs, program expenses, and physical-activity and nutrition expenses. The funding covers the Department of Health's Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Programs and would be paid from the Prevention and Cessation Program Account. The department could have up to 31 regular employees and four temporary or part-time employees when needed. Temporary and part-time workers could be paid no more than the rates allowed by state classification and compensation rules or this act. Spending would remain subject to state purchasing, accounting, salary, and other fiscal-control laws. The appropriation and staffing authority would apply for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, beginning July 1, 2026, if the act takes effect.

The Department of Health could transfer $500,000 from the Prevention and Cessation Program Account to the Breast Cancer Control Fund. The transfer would support Arkansas's matching share for Medicaid breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment services. The $500,000 annual transfer would be the department's only state-match obligation for those services. The transfer would be allowed only for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The authority would apply during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, if the act takes effect.

The state would not have to continue funding Tobacco Settlement-funded positions if that money is insufficient, and state funds could not replace it without legislative appropriation and gubernatorial authorization. The limits cover positions paid from Tobacco Settlement proceeds and require the Tobacco Settlement Commission to disclose them to new and current employees. The disclosure would also be included in employee handbooks or professional-services contracts when applicable. Appropriations could not be moved under general transfer authority unless this act allows the move; other transfers would require the stated fiscal approvals and limits. These rules would apply during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, if the act takes effect.