Arkansas sets spending limits for state and public libraries

The law sets aside up to $6.5 million for aid to public libraries. The Department of Education provides this aid through the Arkansas State Library from the State Library Public School Fund Account. Payments depend on money available by law and cannot exceed the authorized amount. Public libraries must meet state aid eligibility standards. The law took effect July 1, 2026. This spending authority covers the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

The Department of Education may spend up to the listed amounts to operate the Arkansas State Library. The money covers library staff and operations. Spending depends on available money and must follow state spending rules. State operations may use up to $3,684,160 from the State Library Fund Account, including $230,000 for books and subscriptions. Federal operations may use up to $3,218,526 from federal funds. Grant administration may use up to $40,000 from its cash fund in the State Treasury. Operating expenses may use up to $500 from the State Library Revolving Fund. The staffing limits are 43 regular employees, seven temporary or part-time state operations workers, and five temporary or part-time federal operations workers. Temporary and part-time workers may be hired when needed. Their pay cannot exceed the legal limits for their job category. These spending and staffing limits apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The Arkansas State Library must adopt rules allowing public libraries to show another revenue source instead of maintaining the required one-mill county or city property tax. The rules cover public libraries seeking state aid and address funding barriers faced by rural libraries. A library must adequately show its alternative revenue source and meet other state aid standards, including having a qualified librarian. One month before distributing fiscal year 2027 aid, the State Library must report its revised standards and funding eligibility criteria to the Arkansas Legislative Council, or the Joint Budget Committee if meeting in legislative session. These provisions apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Unspent state money for books and subscriptions carries forward for the same purpose. This provision covers money for books and subscriptions from the State Library Fund Account. The agency must explain the need in writing to the Department of Finance and Administration's budget office before June 30, 2027. The budget office must report carried amounts and supporting information to the Arkansas Legislative Council by the September Council or Joint Budget Committee meeting. The agency must report the funding's current status at least 30 days before presenting its budget request. The finance department must include that information or a statement of noncompliance in its budget materials. The money remains available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. This provision applies from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.