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HB 1056

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

2026 Fiscal Session

Provides funding for the MLK Commission’s operations and staffing for FY 2026-2027, including four regular positions, extra help, and specified operating expenses.

Notification that HB1056 is now Act 50
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Bill Summary · HB 1056

Summary of HB 1056 (2026 Session, Arkansas)

Title and Purpose

  • Full title: AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
  • Purpose: To authorize an appropriation for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission within the Department of Education for personal services, operating expenses, and related costs for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The act also sets personnel ceilings and provides cash appropriations to support the Commission’s operations.

Key Provisions

Section 1 — Regular Salaries (Personnel Ceiling)

  • Establishes the maximum number of regular employees for the MLK Commission during FY 2026-2027: 4 FTEs.
    • Positions and titles:
    • MLK Commission Director (1 position) – salary rate: Grade SPC06
    • Fiscal Support Supervisor/Expert (1 position) – Grade SGS07
    • Administrative Coordinator (1 position) – Grade SGS04
    • Administrative Specialist (1 position) – Grade SGS02

Section 2 — Appropriation for Operations (State Funds)

  • Allocates a total of $383,978 for FY 2026-2027 to the MLK Commission for Operations, drawn from the Miscellaneous Agencies Fund.
    • Breakdown:
    • Regular Salaries: $245,831
    • Personal Services Matching: $88,147
    • Maintenance & General Operation:
      • Oper. Expense: $50,000
      • Conference & Travel: $0
      • Professional Fees: $0
      • Capital Outlay: $0
      • Data Processing: $0
    • Total: $383,978

Section 3 — Extra Help (Cash Funds)

  • Allows up to four temporary/part-time employees (Extra Help) for FY 2026-2027, as needed.
  • Pay rates limited to those provided in the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act or successor.

Section 4 — Appropriation for Cash (Cash Funds)

  • Provides cash fund appropriations for the MLK Commission’s Personal Services and Operating Expenses for FY 2026-2027.
    • Extra Help: $15,900
    • Personal Services Matching: $1,299
    • Maintenance & General Operation:
    • Operating Expense: $67,924
    • Conference & Travel: $2,000
    • Professional Fees: $4,000
    • Capital Outlay: $0
    • Data Processing: $0
    • Total Cash Appropriation: $91,123

Section 5 — Compliance with Other Laws

  • Requires disbursement consistent with the authorized appropriations and applicable state fiscal laws and regulations (Procurement, Budget, Revenue Stabilization, Regular Salary restrictions, etc.).

Section 6 — Legislative Intent

  • Affirms that funds must be used in line with the reasons for which the act was adopted, as reflected in budget manuals, recommendations, and official legislative records.

Section 7 — Emergency Clause

  • Declares an emergency to ensure the act takes effect on July 1, 2026, to prevent harm to the agency’s operations and essential programs in the event of a delayed session.

Effective Date and Procedural Status

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026 (subject to emergency clause, making it immediately effective upon enactment).
  • Status: Passed the House with an emergency clause; reflects approval through the legislative process (final steps: enrollment and Governor’s signature).

Who Is Affected

  • Primary: Arkansas Department of Education – Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission.
  • Affected parties include agency leadership, support staff, and contractors/consultants eligible for Professional Fees (though no such costs are allocated in the operating budget for this year) and potential Extra Help personnel.
  • Indirectly affects state funding allocations and compliance requirements under Arkansas fiscal law.

Potential Impact

  • Provides clear funding for both regular and cash-based operations, including salaries, benefits matching, and operating expenses for FY 2026-2027.
  • Supports staffing with a four-member regular team plus up to four part-time/temporary workers as needed.
  • Ensures continued functioning of the MLK Commission by tying appropriations to statutory and budgetary compliance through an emergency, timely effective date.

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

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