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SB 349

AN ACT FOR THE AUDITOR OF STATE - VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATORS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jimmy Gazaway and 1 co-sponsor

Senate Bill 349 aimed to fund 110 Victim Assistance Coordinators in Arkansas with $5.3M, enhancing support for crime victims, but it died in committee before becoming law.

Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · SB 349

Summary of Senate Bill 349

Bill Number: SB 349
Title: An Act for the Auditor of State - Victim Assistance Coordinators Appropriation for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year
Status: Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: February 27, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 349 aimed to establish an appropriation for personal services related to Victim Assistance Coordinators in Arkansas for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill sought to transition victim assistance services to a state-funded model, ensuring adequate support and resources for victims of crime across the state.

Key Provisions

  1. Establishment of Positions:

    • The bill proposed the creation of various positions for Victim Assistance Coordinators, with a maximum of 110 employees across different grades:
      • Senior Victim Assistance Coordinator II (Grade GS11)
      • Senior Victim Assistance Coordinator I (Grade GS10)
      • Victim Assistance Coordinator Specialist (Grade GS09)
      • Victim Assistance Coordinator II (Grade GS07)
      • Victim Assistance Coordinator I (Grade GS05)

  2. Financial Appropriation:

    • A total appropriation of $5,333,874 was proposed, which included:
      • Regular Salaries: $3,809,910
      • Personal Services Matching: $1,523,964

  3. Transition to State Employment:

    • Victim assistance coordinators employed by elected or appointed prosecuting attorneys would transition to state employment effective October 1, 2025.
    • The bill included provisions to recognize prior service with counties for sick and annual leave accrual.

  4. Funding and Compliance:

    • The bill mandated compliance with existing state laws regarding budgetary procedures and fiscal controls in the disbursement of funds.

  5. Legislative Intent:

    • The General Assembly expressed its intent to provide equitable victim assistance services across all judicial districts while maintaining flexibility to meet local needs.

Impact

  • Who Would Be Affected:

    • Victim Assistance Coordinators and the victims they serve would be directly impacted by the provisions of this bill. The transition to state funding aimed to enhance the quality and availability of victim services statewide.

  • Timeline:

    • The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025, and was scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025. However, it ultimately died in committee on May 5, 2025, and did not advance to become law.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 349 represented an effort to improve victim assistance services in Arkansas through state funding and structured support for coordinators. Despite its potential benefits, the bill did not progress beyond the committee stage, leaving the proposed changes unimplemented for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

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

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