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SB 46

AN ACT FOR THE ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY THREE RIVERS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

2026 Fiscal Session

ASUTR is funded with both state and cash funds for regular salaries, operating expenses, and a large capital-improvement program, including capacity for up to 60 extra hires.

Notification that SB46 is now Act 20
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Bill Summary · SB 46

Summary: SB 46 (2026 Session) – Arkansas State University Three Rivers Appropriation Act, FY2026-2027

Purpose and intent

SB 46 provides the annual appropriation for the Arkansas State University Three Rivers (ASUTR) campus for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The bill authorizes funding for regular salaries, operating expenses, and capital-related needs, and it designates both state operations and cash funds sources. The act is labeled as an emergency measure to take effect July 1, 2026.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1: Regular salaries and staffing

  • Establishes the maximum number of regular employees for ASUTR for 2026-2027, across both 12-month Educational and General (E&G) and auxiliary positions, including:

    • Administrative positions (e.g., Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, Directors, Deans, Division Chairs, Librarian, etc.)
    • A substantial IT pool with numerous IT-related titles and salary levels
    • Public Safety, Maintenance, Skilled Trades, Administrative Support, Library, and other support staff
    • Academic and auxiliary positions (e.g., Division Chair, Dean, Librarian, Faculty, Part-Time Faculty)
    • Total “Max. No. of Employees” listed as 261

  • Salary listings are provided for each title or pool, with specific annual salary rates (e.g., Chancellor at $214,799; IT roles ranging from ~$80k to over $200k depending on position; various administrative and academic roles with corresponding salaries).

Section 2: Extra Help – Operations

  • Authorizes up to 60 temporary or part-time/“Extra Help” employees as needed, payable from appropriated funds, with pay rates not exceeding the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act or the act’s pay scales.

Section 3: State Operations Appropriation

  • Sets the following State Operations allocations for 2026-2027:
    • Regular Salaries: $3,000,000
    • Personal Services Matching: $750,000
    • Maintenance & General Operations – Operating Expense: $1,015,823
    • Contingency: $238,291
    • Total: $5,004,114

Section 4: Cash Funds Appropriation

  • Allocates cash funds for 2026-2027 as follows:
    • Regular Salaries: $4,000,000
    • Extra Help: $686,000
    • Personal Services Matching: $1,400,000
    • Maintenance & General Operations
    • Operating Expense: $3,000,000
    • Travel: $130,000
    • Professional Fees: $500,000
    • Capital Outlay: $2,000,000
    • Data Processing: $0
    • Capital Improvements: $13,380,000
    • Debt Service: $750,000
    • Promotional Items: $40,000
    • Total Cash Funds: $25,886,000

Note: The act distinguishes between state operations funds and cash funds, allowing ASUTR to fund personnel and operations through both sources, including significant capital improvement investments.

Compliance and governance

  • Section 5 requires compliance with applicable procurement, budgeting, and fiscal control laws.
  • Section 6 emphasizes legislative intent to ensure funds are used for purposes stated in agency requests and budget documents.
  • Section 7 contains an emergency clause, making the act effective on July 1, 2026, to prevent disruption to operations.

Effective date and status

  • Effective July 1, 2026 (emergency clause approved).
  • The bill progressed through committee of the whole and was transmitted with emergency designation, aligning with the fiscal year start.

Potential impact

  • Provides ASUTR with a clearly defined funding envelope for both operating and capital needs, including substantial capital outlay (capital improvements) and debt service.
  • Supports a wide range of staff and faculty positions, IT infrastructure, public safety, and administrative operations.
  • Enables a substantial capital investment program (over $13 million in capital improvements) and modernization through cash funds.
  • Creates flexibility to hire up to 60 Extra Help positions seasonally or for peak periods.
  • Sets explicit staffing caps (261 total) and salary authorities to ensure budgetary control.

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

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