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HB 1017

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - PROMOTION BOARDS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

2026 Fiscal Session

Arkansas allocates funds for operating and research activities of its agricultural promotion boards for 2026-2027, including a significant R&D fund for the Rice Board.

Notification that HB1017 is now Act 121
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Bill Summary · HB 1017

Summary of HB 1017 (Arkansas, 2026 Fiscal Year)

Title

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - PROMOTION BOARDS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

Purpose of the Bill

  • To appropriate funds for the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s promotion boards for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.
  • The appropriation covers operating expenses as well as research and development activities for designated promotion boards.

Key Provisions and Allocations

The bill designates specific funding for each promotion board as part of the Department of Agriculture’s Promotion Boards program. The boards and activities affected include:

  • Beef Council
    • Operating and program expenses (specific dollar amounts not disclosed in the provided summary)
  • Catfish Promotion Board
    • Operating and program expenses
  • Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board
    • Operating and program expenses
  • Rice Research and Promotion Board
    • Operating and program expenses
    • Includes a substantial cash fund appropriation dedicated to research and development
  • Soybean Promotion Board
    • Operating and program expenses
  • Wheat Promotion Board
    • Operating and program expenses

Note: The summary indicates a “significant cash fund appropriation for research and development” under the Rice Research and Promotion Board, but the exact dollar figures are not included in the provided text.

Eligible Uses

  • Operating expenses for each promotion board
  • Research and development expenditures related to the boards’ promotional and agricultural improvement activities
  • Compliance with applicable state fiscal laws and rules (standard fiscal provisions)

Effective Date and Fiscal Timeline

  • Effective Date: July 1, 2026 (immediate effectiveness due to an emergency clause, as stated)
  • Fiscal Year Covered: 2026-2027 (ending June 30, 2027)

Procedural Timeline and Status

  • Introduced: April 1, 2026
  • In Committee: April 21, 2026
  • Amendment: Amendment No. 1 adopted on April 22, 2026; bill ordered engrossed
  • Second Reading: April 22, 2026 (for amendment)
  • Last Action: Placed on second reading for purpose of amendment; amendment adopted; bill ordered engrossed
  • Committee Recommendation: Returned by the Joint Budget Committee with a recommendation to pass as amended

Affected Parties

  • Arkansas Department of Agriculture and its Promotion Boards (Beef Council, Catfish Promotion Board, Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board, Rice Research and Promotion Board, Soybean Promotion Board, Wheat Promotion Board)
  • Entities and programs supported by the promotion boards, including agricultural producers and industry stakeholders who participate in or benefit from promotional and research initiatives

Key Observations

  • The bill follows a standard appropriation format, funding operating and research activities for multiple commodity-specific promotion boards.
  • A notable emphasis on research and development within the Rice Board, highlighting potential investment in innovation and long-term agricultural improvement.
  • An emergency clause indicates a need for immediate funding to support continuity of programs and public interests.

Potential Impact

  • Provides stable funding for promotional and research activities across major Arkansas agricultural sectors.
  • Supports industry marketing efforts and agricultural research that could influence production practices, market development, and long-term competitiveness.
  • Ensures compliance with state fiscal management requirements and timely availability of funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

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

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