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SB 68

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES REAPPROPRIATION.

2026 Fiscal Session

Reappropriates up to $28M and $40M for the Office of Skills Development to fund statewide workforce programs, with strict fiscal controls and immediate effectiveness.

Notification that SB68 is now Act 89
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Bill Summary · SB 68

Summary: SB 68 (2026F) — Arkansas

Title

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES REAPPROPRIATION

Purpose

To reappropriate balances from existing capital improvement appropriations for the Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services (Office of Skills Development). The bill reallocates funds for statewide workforce development programs and related activities, effective July 1, 2026.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Reappropriation of Capital Improvement Funds (Skills Development Fund)

    • (A) Reappropriation amount not to exceed $28,000,000, effective July 1, 2026, for:
    • Personal services
    • Operating expenses
    • Debt service payments
    • Construction
    • Acquisition
    • Equipment
    • Grants for comprehensive statewide workforce development programs
    • (B) Reappropriation amount not to exceed $40,000,000, effective July 1, 2026, for:
    • Personal services
    • Operating expenses
    • Equipment
    • Grants for comprehensive statewide workforce development programs

  • Section 2: Disbursement Controls

    • (A) Prohibits awarding contracts or incurring obligations beyond funds actually available from the State Treasury, with the option to supplement using:
    • Grants and donations (including Federal funds)
    • Unobligated cash income or funds
    • Restrictions that govern Maintenance and General Operations appropriations shall not be used for these purposes unless specified otherwise by law
    • (B) Requires strict compliance with applicable fiscal control laws (State Purchasing Law, General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, Revenue Stabilization Law, and related regulations)

  • Section 3: Legislative Intent

    • Funds disbursed under these appropriations must align with the stated reasons for the act, as reflected in budget manuals, agency requests, executive recommendations, and legislative recommendations.

  • Section 4: Emergency Clause

    • Declares an emergency to ensure immediate effect on July 1, 2026, due to constitutional constraints on multi-year appropriations and to avoid irreparable harm to essential governmental operations if there were delays.

Affected Entities

  • Primary: Arkansas Department of Commerce – Division of Workforce Services (Office of Skills Development)
  • Activities: Statewide workforce development programs funded through the Skills Development Fund
  • Stakeholders: State government agencies, workforce development programs, grant recipients, and entities contributing grants or donations (including federal funds)

Timeline & Fiscal Details

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026
  • Reappropriation amounts:
    • Up to $28,000,000 (Item A of Section 1)
    • Up to $40,000,000 (Item B of Section 1)
  • Purpose: To continue and expand comprehensive statewide workforce development programs, including related personnel, operating, construction, equipment, and grant activities
  • Emergency clause: Ensures immediate effectiveness upon passage to avoid disruption of ongoing programs

Impact Overview

  • Streams additional capital improvement funding to the Office of Skills Development within the Division of Workforce Services.
  • Enables continued and potentially expanded statewide workforce development initiatives.
  • Maintains safeguards on fiscal management, emphasizing adherence to state procurement and accounting laws and allowing external funding (grants, donations, federal funds) to supplement state funds.
  • Provides a clear emergency provision to prevent disruption in services starting July 1, 2026.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to prior-year appropriations or outline potential grant eligibility considerations related to the Skills Development Fund.

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

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