WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1115

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - ARKANSAS REHABILITATION SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2025 Regular Session

HB 1115 sought $61.5 million for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, funding salaries and programs to support individuals with disabilities but died in committee.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1115

Summary of House Bill 1115

Bill Number: HB 1115
Title: An Act for the Department of Commerce - Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Appropriation for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: January 13, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1115 aimed to provide appropriations for personal services and operating expenses for the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services under the Department of Commerce for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill sought to ensure adequate funding for various services and personnel involved in rehabilitation efforts across the state.

Key Provisions

Appropriations

The bill proposed the following appropriations for the fiscal year 2025-2026:

  1. Regular Salaries:

    • Total: $16,426,131
    • Maximum number of regular employees: 352

  2. Extra Help:

    • Total: $252,000
    • Maximum number of part-time or temporary employees: 19

  3. Personal Services Matching:

    • Total: $6,374,281

  4. Operating Expenses:

    • Total: $7,401,096
    • Breakdown includes:
      • Conference & Travel: $175,000
      • Professional Fees: $844,903

  5. Contract Services:

    • Total: $30,000,000

  6. Total Amount Appropriated:

    • $61,473,411

Additional Programs

The bill also included appropriations for specific programs under the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, such as:

  • Increasing Capabilities Access Network - Federal:

    • Total: $818,892

  • Statewide Disability Telecommunications Equipment Program:

    • Total: $646,000 (truncated)

Affected Parties

The bill would have impacted various stakeholders, including:

  • Employees of the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, through the establishment of salaries and positions.
  • Individuals with disabilities in Arkansas, who rely on rehabilitation services and support.
  • Contractors and service providers engaged in delivering rehabilitation services.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: January 13, 2025
  • Committee Review: The bill was read for the first time, rules were suspended, and it was referred to the Joint Budget Committee.
  • Outcome: The bill died in the House Committee on May 5, 2025, at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not advance for further consideration.

Conclusion

HB 1115 was a significant legislative effort aimed at securing funding for rehabilitation services in Arkansas for the upcoming fiscal year. Despite its potential impact on the state's ability to provide essential services to individuals with disabilities, the bill ultimately did not progress through the legislative process.

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

Sign in to ask a question.