Law authorizes $6,585,195 for Arkansas Court of Appeals expenses

The law authorizes the Arkansas Court of Appeals to spend up to $6,585,195 from the State Central Services Fund. The money covers court staff, operations, and legal expenses. It includes $4,331,243 for regular salaries and $360,000 for legal counsel. Actual spending cannot exceed the authorized amounts or the money available by law. The court must follow applicable state purchasing, budgeting, and financial control rules. The law took effect July 1, 2026. The spending authority covers the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

The law limits the court to 49 regular employees and allows up to two temporary or part-time employees when needed. These limits cover Arkansas Court of Appeals staff, including law clerks, attorneys, and administrative workers. Regular positions have the pay-grade limits listed in the law. The law authorizes $25,000 for temporary or part-time help. Their pay cannot exceed the applicable state pay limits. The staffing limits apply to the 2026–2027 fiscal year.