Summary of HB 1093 (2026F) — Arkansas
Jurisdiction: Arkansas
Bill: HB 1093
Session: 2026 Fiscal Session
Committee: Joint Budget Committee
Purpose of the bill
HB 1093 is an appropriation bill that reappropriates (reallocates and extends) existing capital improvement funds for the Department of Corrections (DOC) – Division of Correction. The act ensures continued funding for specified capital projects and related expenses, with targeted limits and a defined temporary use period.
Key aim: Reappropriate balances from prior capital improvement appropriations to support prison expansion, facility improvements, equipment upgrades, and related infrastructure, while clarifying restrictions on certain uses and establishing disbursement controls.
What the bill would change or establish
Section 1 – Reappropriation of Capital Improvement Projects (from Development and Enhancement Fund)
Allocations effective July 1, 2026:
- (A) Prison expansion costs: up to $73,790,755 (balance from Act 95 of 2025, Item A).
- (B) Female Work Release – Pine Bluff: balance up to $0 (no funds reappropriated here).
- (C) Maintenance, replacement, repair, expansion, construction, equipping, renovation, upgrade of existing facilities: up to $366,734 (balance from Act 95 of 2025, Item C).
- (D) Replacement of Tucker Unit Water Treatment Plant: up to $80,469 (balance from Act 95 of 2025, Item E).
Section 2 – Reappropriation - Capital Improvement Projects (Cash)
- (A) Wrightsville Unit Camera Project: up to $3,800,000 (balance from Act 339 of 2025, Item A).
- (B) McPherson Unit Flooring Project: up to $300,000 (balance from Act 339 of 2025, Item B).
Section 3 – Reappropriation - Capital Improvement Projects (Various Industry Projects)
- (A) Various industry projects: up to $1,000,000 (balance from Act 95 of 2025, Section 3, Item A).
- (B) Various Industry Projects maintenance, repair, etc.: up to $126,645 (balance from Act 95 of 2025, Section 3, Item B).
- (C) Division of Correction - Various Industry Projects: up to $6,312 (balance from Act 95 of 2025, Section 3, Item C).
Section 4 – Reappropriation - Capital Improvement Projects (Various Farm Projects)
- (A) Various Farm Projects: up to $1,000,000 (balance from Act 95 of 2025, Section 4, Item A).
- (B) Farm Projects maintenance, repair, etc.: up to $140,534 (balance from Act 95 of 2025, Section 4, Item B).
Section 5 – Special Language (Fund Usage Restrictions)
- Funds reappropriated in Section 1(A) must be used to create capacity, including:
- Expansion of recidivism-reduction programs
- Infrastructure improvements
- Capital improvements and bed-space additions to relieve county jails
- Prohibition: No funds from Section 1(A) may be used to construct a prison in Franklin County.
- Effective window: July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Section 6 – Disbursement Controls
- No spending can exceed available state funds, though grants, donations, Federal funds, and unobligated cash income may supplement.
- General procurement and fiscal control laws (e.g., State Purchasing Law) apply unless otherwise provided.
Section 7 – Legislative Intent
- Funds must comply with the stated purposes and the budget materials and recommendations that justified these appropriations.
Section 8 – Emergency Clause
- Declares emergency to ensure the act takes effect July 1, 2026, allowing timely operation and avoiding harm from delayed funding.
Who is affected
- Department of Corrections (Division of Correction) and its facilities (e.g., Wrightsville, Tucker Unit, Pine Bluff, McPherson Unit) and related programs (industry projects, farm projects, and capital infrastructure).
- Recipients of capital improvements, facility upgrades, equipment replacements, and bed-space expansion.
- State Treasury and procurement/budget processes subject to standard fiscal controls.
Timeline and procedural notes
- Effective date for reappropriations: July 1, 2026.
- Special language period for Section 1(A): July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
- Declared emergency to ensure immediate effect on July 1, 2026.
- Administrative controls: subject to State Treasury availability, matching grants/donations, and compliance with purchasing and budget laws.
Quick take
HB 1093 is a targeted reappropriation bill moving forward existing capital improvement funds for the DOC’s Division of Correction, emphasizing expansion capacity, infrastructure upgrades, and specific facility projects, while prohibiting a Franklin County prison project and ensuring tight disbursement controls and emergency effectiveness.
