Arkansas commission gets annual funds to track tobacco settlement programs

The law provides $357,456 for the commission's staff and operating costs. The money supports the Department of Health's Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission as it monitors and evaluates program accounts and provides grants authorized by Initiated Act 1 of 2000. The money is payable from the Tobacco Settlement Commission Fund and may be spent only as allowed by law. The appropriation includes no money for tobacco settlement grants. The appropriation covers the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

The commission must make a funding notice available to workers paid from tobacco settlement money. The notice covers new and current positions paid from tobacco settlement proceeds. The notice must explain that the state does not promise to keep funding a position if tobacco settlement money is insufficient. State money may replace expired tobacco settlement money only if the General Assembly appropriates it and the Governor authorizes it. When applicable, the notice must also appear in the employee handbook or professional services contract. These provisions apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The law sets a one-employee limit and restricts transfers of the commission's appropriations. The employee limit and transfer rules apply to the commission's authorized staffing and appropriations. The agency head may request changes among maintenance and general operating budget categories if funds are inadequate, but total spending cannot exceed the appropriation or funds available. Transfers require Legislative Council approval. Capital outlay and data processing funds generally cannot be transferred without specific legal authority, with a stated exception for certain transfers to state technology services. These provisions apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.