Bill
SB 1
SB 1 allocates funds to run the Arkansas Senate for 2026-2027, covering salaries, operations, computerization, renovations, and strategic transfers while allowing some salary flexi
Purpose and overall intent
- SB 1 is an appropriation act authorizing funding for the Arkansas Senate for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.
- The bill covers personal services (regular salaries and related costs), operating expenses, and targeted appropriations for Senate operations, computerization, renovations, and related administrative needs.
- It includes provisions to reallocate funds within appropriations if certain line items are not needed, and it contains special salary flexibility provisions to attract and retain qualified staff.
Key provisions and changes
1) Regular salaries – staff S ervices
- Establishes the authorized regular (full-time) positions for the Arkansas Senate for FY 2026-2027, with a maximum of 21 employees.
- Listed positions include:
- Director of Senate / Secretary of Senate
- Chief Counsel / Parliamentarian
- Assistant Secretary of the Senate / Constituent Services Manager
- Communications / Public Info Officer
- Fiscal Officer / Employee Benefits Liaison
- Assistant Communications & Info Officer
- Technical Services Coordinator
- Senior Constituent Service Advisor
- Assistant to President Pro Tempore
- Constituent Service Advisors (8 positions)
- Legislative Aide / Receptionist / Session Staff
- CSO Admin Assistant / Receptionist / Session
- Properties Officer / Inventory
- Each position has a specified grade and corresponding maximum salary rate.
2) Extra Help – staff services
- Authorizes up to 2 part-time or temporary employees (to be used as needed) for FY 2026-2027.
- Pay rate must conform to the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act (or successor).
3) Appropriation – Staff Services
- Total personal services and operating expenditures for FY 2026-2027:
- Regular Salaries: $1,963,896
- Extra Help: $50,000
- Personal Service Matching: $587,183
- Maintenance & General Operations: $250,000
- Total: $2,851,079
- Funds are to be drawn from the State Central Services Fund.
4) Orientation
- Appropriates $15,000 from the Constitutional Officers Fund for the State Orientation program, covering per diem and mileage for Senate members attending orientation before the legislature convenes.
5) Reappropriations for Constitutional Officers Fund
- Sets aside up to $4,000,000 (aggregate) from prior-year appropriations to defray necessary expenses of the Senate for the Ninety-Fifth General Assembly.
6) Reappropriations – State Central Services Fund
- Sets aside up to $4,000,000 (aggregate) from prior-year appropriations to defray necessary expenses of the Senate for the Ninety-Fifth General Assembly.
7) Computerization
- Appropriates $700,000 (from the State Central Services Fund) to continue computerization of the legislative process.
8) Renovations and Improvements
- Appropriates $1,500,000 (from the State Central Services Fund) for construction, improvements, renovations, and equipment for Senate facilities and related purposes.
9) Special language – transfers
- If any item is determined to be unnecessary, the Senate Efficiency Committee and the Secretary of the Senate may transfer funds between line items with approval of the Arkansas Senate.
10) Special language – salaries
- Allows the Senate to exceed the maximum salary levels by up to 20% for no more than one-third of the positions in the operation appropriation act.
- Also allows merit adjustments to exceed salary levels for all positions.
11) Compliance and intent
- Requires funds to be used in accordance with applicable laws and fiscal controls (procurement, budgeting, revenue stabilization, etc.).
- Affirms the legislative intent to align disbursements with budget manuals and official records.
12) Emergency clause
- An emergency clause is included, making the act effective July 1, 2026, to avoid disruption in Senate operations.
Effective date
- Effective upon July 1, 2026 (emergency clause), with the requested appropriations covering the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Who is affected
- Arkansas Senate operations, including its employees, contractors, and facilities.
- State Central Services Fund and Constitutional Officers Fund, which fund the appropriations and related programs.
- Senate members and staff who participate in orientation and related activities.
Notes on action
- The bill passed the Senate (3rd reading, with emergency clause adopted) on April 22, 2026, and was transmitted to the House.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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