WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 18

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT - LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS BOARD APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

2026 Fiscal Session

Provides a defined $721,554 budget and 6 staffing positions for FY 2026-2027 to operate and regulate the Arkansas LP Gas Board.

Notification that SB18 is now Act 8
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 18

Summary of SB 18 (Session 2026F) – Arkansas

Topic

Appropriation for the Department of Energy and Environment – Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP Gas) Board for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

Purpose and Intent

  • To authorize and provide the operating funds and personnel for the Department of Energy and Environment’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.
  • Establishes the authorized staffing, operating budget, and related obligations to administer LP gas regulation and board activities.

Key Provisions and Changes

1) Regular Salaries (Section 1)

  • Establishes the maximum number of regular government employees for the LP Gas Board (within the Department of Energy and Environment) for FY 2026-2027: 6 total positions.
    • 1 LP Gas Board Director (Salary Grade SPC05)
    • 1 Fiscal Support Supervisor/Expert (Grade SGS07)
    • 3 Inspector I positions (Grade SGS04)
    • 1 Administrative Specialist (Grade SGS02)

2) Extra Help (Section 2)

  • Authorizes up to 1 part-time or temporary employee as “Extra Help” for the FY 2026-2027 period, as needed and paid from the same funds, at rates not exceeding the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act (or successor).

3) Appropriation – Operations (Section 3)

  • Allocates funding for personal services and operating expenses from the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Fund for FY 2026-2027:
    • Regular Salaries: $341,608
    • Extra Help: $8,300
    • Personal Services Matching: $126,546
    • Maintenance & General Operation:
    • Operating Expense: $153,300
    • Conf. & Travel: $4,000
    • Professional Fees: $7,800
    • Capital Outlay: $50,000
    • Data Processing: $0
    • Grants and Aid: $30,000
  • Total appropriated amount: $721,554

4) Compliance with Other Laws (Section 4)

  • Disbursements must comply with applicable state laws and DF&A regulations, and be limited to the funds appropriated for the agency and program.

5) Legislative Intent (Section 5)

  • Clarifies that funds must align with the reasons for their appropriation as reflected in budget manuals, agency requests, executive recommendations, and legislative recommendations.

6) Emergency Clause (Section 6)

  • Declares an emergency to ensure immediate effectiveness on July 1, 2026, allowing the funds to be available without delay, given the public administration needs.
  • The act is intended to be in force for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, with emergency timing to prevent disruption.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary: The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, specifically the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board within the department.
  • Individuals affected include the six authorized regular employees and potential extra-help staff, as well as entities receiving Grants and Aid from the LP Gas Fund (up to $30,000).

Timeline and Procedural Notes

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026 (emergency clause ensures immediate effect).
  • Fiscal year covered: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
  • The bill underwent multiple readings and was adopted with an emergency clause, moving through both chambers in April 2026.

Overall Impact

  • Provides a defined funding base and staffing for LP gas regulation, ensuring continued regulatory oversight, enforcement (via inspectors), and administrative operations.
  • Sets a clear budget envelope of $721,554 for the LP Gas Board’s operations in FY 2026-2027, including salaries, operating expenses, and limited grant support.

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

Sign in to ask a question.