Arkansas law authorizes annual spending for the State Lands office

The Commissioner of State Lands may spend up to $32.3 million from cash funds on expenses and payments involving land with unpaid taxes. This covers office expenses and payments tied to selling land with unpaid taxes or paying the amount owed to reclaim it. The limits are $27.5 million for passing along overdue taxes and refunding land-sale payments, $1.3 million for refunds and recording-fee reimbursements, $2 million for professional fees, and $1.5 million for operating expenses. Spending depends on legally available money and must follow state financial rules. These amounts are spending limits, not guaranteed payments. This spending authorization applies from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The Commissioner of State Lands may spend up to $4,396,807 from the State Central Services Fund on staff and office operations. The office may have up to 42 regular employees and five temporary or part-time employees. Regular positions have listed annual salary caps. The budget allows $3,249,660 for regular salaries, $40,000 for temporary help, $1,082,147 for employer payroll contributions, and $25,000 for operating expenses. Temporary or part-time workers may be hired when needed, within the applicable pay limits. Spending depends on legally available money and must follow state financial rules. The budget and staffing limits apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The Commissioner of State Lands may use cash funds for major purchases, operating expenses, and projects involving land under water. The $267,800 authorization covers major purchases and operating expenses. The separate $250,000 authorization covers staff and operating expenses for projects involving land under water. Both authorizations depend on legally available money and must follow state financial rules. They are spending limits, not promises to spend the full amounts. Both spending authorizations apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.