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HB 1098

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, AND TOURISM - STATE PARKS AND TOURISM DIVISIONS REAPPROPRIATION.

2026 Fiscal Session

Allocates up to $20 million to the State Parks and Tourism Divisions for acquiring, managing, and preserving state lands and historic assets, funded with the prior appropriation ba

Notification that HB1098 is now Act 128
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Bill Summary · HB 1098

Summary of HB 1098 (Session 2026F, Arkansas)

Purpose

HB 1098 is an appropriation bill that reallocates and reappropriates funds within the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, specifically targeting the State Parks and Tourism Divisions. The measure funds the balance of a prior capital improvement appropriation to support the acquisition, management, stewardship, or preservation of state-owned lands, historic sites, buildings, structures, or objects.

Key Provisions

  • Reappropriation and funding amount

    • Section 1 creates a reappropriation from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Grant and Trust Fund.
    • The appropriation is intended for the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism – State Parks and Tourism Divisions.
    • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
    • Funding amount: up to $20,000,000 (the exact amount is shown as a placeholder "not to exceed $20,000,000" for the balance of the appropriation provided in Section 24 of Act 297 of 2025). This is for the acquisition, management, stewardship, or preservation of state lands, historic sites, buildings, structures, or objects.

  • Disbursement controls

    • Section 2 establishes that contracts and obligations may not exceed funds actually available in the State Treasury, but agencies may accept grants and donations (including federal funds) and use unobligated cash income or funds to supplement state funds for the described projects.
    • Agencies must not use appropriations meant for Maintenance and General Operations for the purposes authorized by this act.
    • General controls from the State Purchasing Law, the General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, the Revenue Stabilization Law, and related regulations must be followed unless stated otherwise.

  • Legislative intent

    • Section 3 states that funds disbursed under this act must align with the stated reasons for its passage, as reflected in the budget manuals and related official budget materials (Agency Requests, Executive Recommendations, and Legislative Recommendations).

  • Emergency clause

    • Section 4 declares an emergency, asserting that the act must take effect on July 1, 2026 to avoid irreparable harm to essential governmental programs, and that the act should be in full force immediately for the public peace, health, and safety.

Who/What Is Affected

  • State agencies involved: Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, specifically the State Parks and Tourism Divisions.
  • Assets affected: State-owned lands, historic sites, buildings, structures, or objects eligible for acquisition, management, stewardship, or preservation.
  • Funding sources: Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Grant and Trust Fund; potential use of grants and donations (including Federal funds) and unobligated cash income to supplement state funds, subject to legal constraints.

Timeline and Procedural Notes

  • Effective date set at July 1, 2026.
  • Emergency clause accelerates effectiveness to avoid disruption in operations.
  • The bill was filed and referred to the Joint Budget Committee on April 14, 2026.
  • The act’s authorization references the balance of a prior appropriation (Act 297 of 2025, Section 24).

Potential Impact

  • Enables the State Parks and Tourism Divisions to pursue up to $20 million in capital-related projects for land and historic preservation and related assets.
  • Allows leveraging external funds (grants, federal funds, donations) to augment state resources for these projects, within legal and fiscal controls.
  • Ensures that capital improvements are financed in a manner consistent with existing budget and procurement laws, while prioritizing preservation goals and alignment with budgetary justifications.

Note: The exact dollar amount remains specified as “not to exceed $20,000,000,” pending the finalization of the referenced Act 297 of 2025 Section 24.

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

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