WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 64

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION REAPPROPRIATION.

2026 Fiscal Session

Reappropriates funds to continue ADE DESE computer science initiatives up to $564,871 and Capitol Complex renovations and maintenance up to $5,000,000 effective July 1, 2026.

Notification that SB64 is now Act 86
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 64

Summary of SB 64 (Session 2026F) – Arkansas

Title

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION REAPPROPRIATION

Purpose and Intent

  • Reappropriate balances of prior capital improvement appropriations allocated to the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) – Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
  • Specifically reallocate and continue funding for existing programs and maintenance projects through July 1, 2026, from identified funds (Development and Enhancement Fund and Educational Buildings Maintenance Fund).

Key Provisions and Changes

Section 1A – ADE DESE Development and Enhancement

  • Effective July 1, 2026, reappropriates the balance from the prior appropriation (Act 80 of 2025) for computer science initiatives.
  • Amount cap: not to exceed $564,871.

Section 2A – ADE DESE Capitol Complex Renovation and Repairs

  • Effective July 1, 2026, reappropriates the balance from the prior appropriation (Act 331 of 2025) for building and grounds maintenance, equipment maintenance contracts, insurance, janitorial services, major maintenance costs, renovation, improvements, repairs, and operations for four Department of Education buildings located in the Capitol Complex.
  • Amount cap: not to exceed $5,000,000.

Section 3 – Disbursement Controls

  • Maintains that contracts/obligations may not exceed funds actually available, but agencies may accept and use grants, donations (including federal funds), and unobligated cash income to supplement state funds to finance projects.
  • Prohibits using appropriations intended for Maintenance and General Operations for purposes other than those specified.

Section 4 – Legislative Intent

  • Clarifies that funds disbursed under this act should align with the stated reasons for adoption, as reflected in:
    • Agency Requests
    • Executive Recommendations
    • Legislative Recommendations
    • Budget manuals and related testimony/minutes

Section 5 – Emergency Clause

  • Declares emergency status to ensure the act takes effect on July 1, 2026.
  • States necessity due to constitutional provision prohibiting multi-year appropriations unless timely; emphasizes immediate operation of the agency and essential programs.

Affected Parties and Scope

  • Primary Recipient: Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) – Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
  • Funding Streams:
    • Development and Enhancement Fund (for computer science initiatives).
    • Educational Buildings Maintenance Fund (for Capitol Complex building/maintenance-related activities).
  • Facilities: Four ADE buildings located in the Capitol Complex.

Fiscal and Timeline Details

  • Effective Date: July 1, 2026.
  • Reappropriated Amounts:
    • Computer science initiatives: up to $564,871.
    • Capitol Complex maintenance and related costs: up to $5,000,000.
  • Reporting/Compliance: Adheres to state procurement and fiscal control laws; allows use of grants/donations and unobligated cash income to supplement state funds as authorized.

Practical Impact

  • Provides continuity of funding for specific, previously authorized capital and programmatic initiatives without creating new appropriations.
  • Ensures ADE maintains operations and facilities at Capitol Complex and continues important computer science initiatives.
  • Enables the agency to leverage additional non-state funds (grants, donations) if available, while maintaining compliance with state fiscal laws.

If you’d like, I can compare SB 64 to the prior acts (Act 80 of 2025 and Act 331 of 2025) to highlight how the reappropriation aligns with or shifts prior authorizations.

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

Sign in to ask a question.