Bill
SB 14
allocates a comprehensive annual budget for the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission for FY 2026-2027, funding salaries, operations, grants, and major habitat and program invest
SB 14 (2026F) – Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission Appropriation, FY 2026-2027
Overview
- Purpose: Provide the annual appropriation for the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) for personal services, operating expenses, grants, construction, and related programs for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The bill consolidates multiple funding sections under the Game Protection Fund and adds several program-specific allocations.
Key Provisions and Allocations
1) Regular Salaries and Staffing
- Establishes a detailed roster of regular positions with maximum annual salary rates for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, including top leadership (Director, Chief of Staff, Deputy Directors) and a broad suite of program heads (Fisheries, Wildlife, Education, Operations), IT, HR, Legal, Enforcement, GIS, and support roles.
- Maximum total regular payroll listing culminates in a wide employee count (up to 647) across various classes and pools (e.g., IT, Enforcements, Biologists, Engineers, Support staff).
2) Extra Help
- Authorizes up to 185 temporary/part-time positions for the year, with pay at rates consistent with the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act or as provided in the act.
3) Appropriations – Operations (FY 2026-2027)
- Regular Salaries: $46,698,077
- Extra Help: $1,891,500
- Personal Services Matching: $16,826,509
- Overtime: $250,000
- Uniform Allowance: $1,000,000
- Operating Expenses, Travel, Fees, Capital Outlay, and Data Processing: detailed amounts, including
- OPER. EXPENSE: $54,907,780
- CONF. & TRAVEL: $517,727
- PROF. FEES: $4,070,553
- CAP. OUTLAY: $8,764,000
- DATA PROC.: $0
- Grants and Aid: $9,558,644
- Construction: $17,738,903
- Total Appropriation: $162,223,693
4) Appropriations – Gas Lease Revenues
- Maint./Gen. Operation (Operating Expenses, Fees, Capital Outlay) plus Data Processing
- Gas Lease Grants: $50,000
- Disaster Response: $3,000,000
- Total: $5,000,000
5) Farm Bill Biologists Program
- Funding for Farm Bill-related personnel and operations:
- Regular Salaries: $479,508
- Personal Services Matching: $164,143
- Operating Expenses: $1,350 (expenses), $14,580 (travel)
- Total: $659,581
6) Conservation Partners Program Grants
- Grants to conservation partners to address statewide hunger needs: $150,000
7) Black River Settlement Funds (Hardwood Timber Restoration)
- Restoration expenses for Black River Wildlife Management Area: $13,250,000
8) Marine Fuel Tax Program
- Purpose: Improve access to waterways and related operations
- Funding: $6,000,000
9) GTR and Wetland Habitat Restoration
- Greentree Reservoir renovation and other wetland restoration: $20,000,000
Special Provisions and Oversight
- Special language establishes gift/reward payments from the Game Protection Fund; promotional items cap ($50,000); director salary increase restrictions (no more than 5% above the June 17, 2025-2026 salary without prior approval); transfer provisions between Operations and Gas Lease Revenue line items with certain approvals.
- Compliance and legislative intent statements emphasize alignment with budget manuals and oversight by Legislative bodies.
- Emergency clause: Act takes effect July 1, 2026, with an explicit finding of necessity.
Impact and Beneficiaries
- Statewide AGFC programs, including fisheries and wildlife management, enforcement, education, GIS, and IT infrastructure.
- Direct beneficiaries include AGFC employees via salaries and benefits, conservation partners, disaster response efforts, habitat restoration projects, and public access programs.
- Infrastructure and land/conservation investments are supported through grant funding, capital outlays, and construction funds.
Timeline
- Effective July 1, 2026, for fiscal year 2026-2027, with ongoing program funding through June 30, 2027. Emergency clause ensures immediate applicability upon enactment.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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