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HB 1262

AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY - ARKANSAS BIOSCIENCES INSTITUTE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2025 Regular Session

House Bill 1262 allocates $5.6 million to the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, ensuring salaries and operations for staff, enhancing biosciences research and education.

Notification that HB1262 is now Act 89
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Bill Summary · HB 1262

Summary of House Bill 1262 (Act 89)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1262, now enacted as Act 89, aims to appropriate funds for the Arkansas State University - Arkansas Biosciences Institute for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill is designed to support personal services and operating expenses, ensuring the continued operation and effectiveness of the Institute.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

1. Employee Salaries and Positions

  • The bill establishes a maximum number of regular employees for the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, detailing specific positions and their corresponding maximum salary rates. Key positions include:
    • Executive Director: $258,983
    • Project/Program Administrator: $207,294
    • Research Professor: $237,829
    • Administrative Assistant: $67,284
  • A total of 12-month and 9-month educational and general academic positions are included, with salaries ranging from $38,855 to $258,983.

2. Financial Appropriation

  • The total amount appropriated for the fiscal year 2025-2026 is $5,643,838, allocated as follows:
    • Regular Salaries: $2,527,694
    • Personal Services Matching: $551,206
    • Maintenance and General Operations: $2,149,024
    • Capital Outlay: $400,000
  • The funding will be sourced from the Arkansas Biosciences Institute Program Account of the Tobacco Settlement Program Fund.

3. Transfer of Appropriations

  • The bill allows the Arkansas State University to transfer appropriations between various line items within the budget, subject to approval from the Division of Higher Education and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, as well as the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.

4. Funding Restrictions

  • The bill specifies that no state funds will be used to replace Tobacco Settlement funds if they become insufficient. This provision ensures that the funding structure remains sustainable and transparent.

Affected Parties

The primary beneficiaries of this bill are:
- Employees of the Arkansas State University - Arkansas Biosciences Institute, who will receive salaries and benefits as outlined.
- The broader community and stakeholders involved in biosciences research and education, as the funding supports ongoing projects and initiatives.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: January 27, 2025
  • Passed: February 11, 2025 (with an emergency clause adopted)
  • Enacted: February 13, 2025, as Act 89

The bill underwent a series of legislative actions, including readings, committee reviews, and approvals, culminating in its final enactment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1262 represents a significant investment in the Arkansas State University - Arkansas Biosciences Institute, facilitating essential operations and supporting the state's commitment to advancing biosciences education and research. The structured financial appropriations and flexibility in budget management aim to enhance the Institute's effectiveness in the upcoming fiscal year.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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