SB 16 (2026F) – Arkansas: Capitol Zoning District Commission Appropriation for FY2026-2027
Purpose and overall intent
- This act provides targeted appropriations for the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism (DPHT) specifically for the Capitol Zoning District Commission for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.
- It establishes authorized staffing, operating funds, and cash fund allocations necessary to operate the Capitol Zoning District Commission (CZDC) within DPHT.
Key provisions and changes
1) Regular positions (Section 1)
- Establishes a maximum of 3 regular employees for the CZDC in FY 2026-2027:
- 1 position: PRKS, HERITAGE, & TOURISM PROGRAM COORDINATOR (Class Code RPA24P) at SGS06.
- 2 positions: ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST (Class Code PAS01P) at SGS05.
- Total authorized Regular Employees: 3.
2) Extra help (Section 2)
- Authorizes up to 1 temporary/part-time employee (extra help) for the CZDC during FY 2026-2027.
- Pay rate to be in line with Uniform Classification and Compensation Act or as specified in the act.
3) Appropriation – Operations (Section 3)
- Allocates funds for CZDC operations from the Miscellaneous Agencies Fund Account.
- 2026-2027 appropriations:
- Regular salaries: $176,446
- Extra help: $938
- Personal services matching: $63,700
- Maintenance & general operation: $15,956 (Operating expense)
- Total Operations appropriation: $257,040
4) Appropriation – Cash Fund Operations (Section 4)
- Allocates $2,000 for cash fund operating expenses for the CZDC (Maintenance & General Operation: $2,000; other subcategories zero).
5) Compliance with laws (Section 5)
- Funds disbursement must adhere to applicable state laws and DF&A regulations (procurement, budgeting, revenue stabilization, etc.).
6) Legislative intent (Section 6)
- Confirms that appropriations align with agency requests, recommendations, and legislative considerations documented in budget manuals and official testimony.
7) Emergency clause (Section 7)
- Declares the act an emergency to ensure immediate effectiveness on July 1, 2026, allowing funds to be available for the 2026-2027 fiscal year without delays.
Effective date and operational impact
- Effective July 1, 2026, with ongoing authority through June 30, 2027, subject to annual audit and compliance processes.
- Provides explicit funding and staffing for CZDC activities, enabling continued operation and administration of Capitol Zoning District-related duties within the DPHT.
Who is affected
- Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism (specifically the Capitol Zoning District Commission segment)
- CZDC staffing (up to 3 regular employees and up to 1 extra-help employee)
- State agencies and vendors involved in payroll, procurement, and compliance under state law for the CZDC
Notes for readers
- The bill focuses narrowly on the CZDC within DPHT, outlining precise personnel and financial allocations for FY2026-2027.
- It includes standard boilerplate on compliance with existing laws and an emergency clause to ensure timely implementation.