Bill
HB 1074
Funds and governs FY2026-27 operations for Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission and Office of the State Geologist, including staffing ceilings, line items, and special funds.
HB 1074 (2026F) – Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment - Oil and Gas Commission Appropriation (FY 2026-2027)
Overview
- Purpose: This act provides the annual appropriation for personal services and operating expenses for the Department of Energy and Environment (DE&E) specifically allocated to the Oil and Gas Commission (OGC) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. It also includes related appropriations for the Office of the State Geologist and its programs, reflecting the broader energy and geologic program needs of the department.
- Effective date: July 1, 2026 (emergency clause ensures immediate effect).
Key Provisions and Allocations
1. Oil and Gas Commission – Regular Salaries
- Establishes the maximum number of regular state employees and salary levels for the OGC for FY 2026-2027.
- Positions include:
- Production & Conservation Director (1 position)
- E&E Associate Director (2)
- Petroleum Geologist (2)
- Energy & Environment Program Supervisor/Expert (2)
- Fiscal Support Supervisor/Expert (1)
- Inspector Supervisor/Expert (2)
- Administrative Analyst (3)
- Inspector II (9)
- Administrative Coordinator (4)
- Administrative Specialist (3)
- IT Supervisor/Expert (1)
- GIS Analyst (1)
- User Support Analyst (2)
- Total maximum regular employees: 33
Allows up to 6 part-time or temporary employees for the OGC, as needed, funded at rates per Uniform Classification and Compensation Act or this act.
Oil and Gas Commission – Operations Appropriation
Personal services and operating expenses funded from the Oil and Gas Commission Fund:
Total appropriation for OGC Operations: $4,730,251
Oil and Gas Commission – Refunds and Reimbursements
Cash-funded appropriation for refunds and reimbursements: $200,000 for FY 2026-2027.
Oil and Gas Commission – Well Plugging Program
Appropriation for well plugging expenses from the Abandoned and Orphaned Well Plugging Fund: $12,500,000 (FY 2026-2027).
Office of the State Geologist – Regular Salaries
Establishes the OSG staffing for FY 2026-2027 with 10 positions (various geologist and support roles) and corresponding salary schedules.
Total maximum regular employees: 20
Office of the State Geologist – Extra Help
Allows up to 8 part-time/temporary employees for the Office of the State Geologist.
Office of the State Geologist – Operations
Federal funds provided through designated federal designation for the State Geologist – State Geologic Mapping Program:
Total federal-funded appropriation: $191,862
Office of the State Geologist – Geology Map Resale Program
Map resale program operations funded from the Geology Map Resale Revolving Fund:
State Geologist – Geologic Mapping Program
Regular salaries for the State Geologic Mapping Program:
Maximum regular employees: 1 (Geologist)
Extra details include corresponding support staff and funds.
Office of the State Geologist – State Geologic Mapping Program – Extra Help
Up to 6 part-time/temporary positions authorized.
Geological Research – Landslide/Sinkhole
Regular Salaries: $49,011
Extra Help: $27,328
Personal Services Matching: $21,268
Geological Research: $143,762
Total: $241,369
Compliance and Legislative Intent
The act includes standard compliance language on budgetary controls and emergency clause language.
Declares emergency to ensure funds are available beginning July 1, 2026.
Who/What Is Affected
- Department of Energy and Environment (DE&E), specifically:
- Oil and Gas Commission (OGC) – operations, staffing, and program activity
- Office of the State Geologist (OSG) – operations, geologic mapping, geology museum, landslide/sinkhole research
- State funds and designated funds (Oil and Gas Commission Fund, Abandoned and Orphaned Well Plugging Fund, Geology Map Resale Revolving Fund) and federal funds for mapping programs.
- Departments and programs related to energy regulation, oil and gas inspection, groundwater protection, and geological research.
Timeline and Process
- Funding is authorized for FY 2026-2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).
- Emergency clause: Act takes effect immediately upon passage to ensure funding is available from the start of the fiscal year.
Notes
- The bill reflects a comprehensive annual operating budget for oil and gas regulation and geologic programs, including staffing ceilings, line-item appropriations, and special funds (well plugging and map resale).
- It includes both state and federal funding components and anticipates capital outlay and various operating expenditures relevant to regulatory and geoscience activities.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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