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SB 48

AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

2026 Fiscal Session

The act provides the 2026-27 appropriation for UAPB, detailing staffing ceilings, salary schedules, operating funds, and targeted support for the Jenkins Center partnership.

Notification that SB48 is now Act 22
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Bill Summary · SB 48

Summary of SB 48 (2026 Session, Arkansas)

AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR

This bill provides the annual state appropriations for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, covering regular salaries and operating expenses across multiple funding streams, plus a framework for staffing levels and program support.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes the appropriation of funds to support UAPB’s personal services (salaries) and operating expenses for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
  • Ensures ongoing funding for regular operations, personnel, capital needs, and program support, with special language to support the Jenkins Center partnership in Pine Bluff.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

A. Regular Salaries – Operations (Section 1)

  • Sets a maximum staffing and salary structure for 2026-2027, including 880 total positions (across categories: executive, administrative, academic, extension, agricultural programs, etc.).
  • Specifies salary amounts for a wide range of titles, including:
    • Chancellor: $300,566
    • Chief of Staff: $239,531
    • Provost: $207,742
    • Vice Chancellors and Deans: various amounts (e.g., Vice Chancellor for Finance & Admin.: $200,539; Dean: $179,480; etc.)
    • A comprehensive schedule for 12-month Educational and General (E&G) Administrative, Academic, and Auxiliary positions, including numerous IT, academic, student services, and operation roles with explicit maximum salaries.
    • For UAPB’s Agricultural Experiment Station and UAPB 1890 Extension Program, a detailed listing of positions and salary rates is provided, mirroring the broad university staff structure.

B. Extra Help – Operations (Section 2)

  • Authorizes up to 924 temporary or part-time employees (Extra Help) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
  • Pay rates for Extra Help aligned with the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act or the act’s specified rates.

C. State Operations Appropriation (Section 3)

  • Total State Operations appropriation for UAPB: $25,671,640
    • Regular Salaries: $18,886,087
    • Extra Help: $317,860
    • Personal Services Matching: $4,882,693
    • Maintenance & General Operation: $10,000 (Operating Expense)
    • Contingency: $1,000,000
    • Other line items (Professional Fees: $575,000; plus a $0 in various other subcategories)
  • Notes the funding is from the UAPB Fund.

D. 1890 Extension Program Appropriation (Section 4)

  • Extends funding for the UAPB 1890 Extension Program: $5,997,200

E. Cash Funds Appropriation (Section 5)

  • Provides funding from cash funds (as defined by law) for:
    • Regular Salaries: $16,122,263
    • Extra Help: $1,815,986
    • Overtime: $500,000
    • Personal Services Matching: $5,235,857
    • Maintenance & General Operation: $21,273,367 (Operating Expenses); Travel: $776,093; Professional Fees: $4,440,232; Capital Outlay: $4,000,000
    • Capital Improvements: $36,000,000
    • Debt Service: $2,602,223
    • Fund Transfers/Refunds/Investments: $20,000
    • Promotional Items: $113,499
  • Total Cash Funds appropriation: $92,899,520

F. Special Language (Section 6)

  • Allocates $252,558 in State Operations funds to support the Jenkins Center in Pine Bluff, specifically for a university training program in cooperation with the Jenkins Center.
  • Reductions in funding to this program would be proportionally applied to the Jenkins Center support.

G. Compliance and Intent (Sections 7–8)

  • Reiterates compliance with state fiscal laws and procurement rules.
  • States legislative intent: funds should be used in accordance with budget manuals and justification provided in requests and recs.

H. Emergency Clause (Section 9)

  • Declares the act an emergency measure to take effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring timely operation of the university.

3) Who/What Is Affected

  • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB): Directly affected by staffing levels, salary scales, and operating funding.
  • UAPB 1890 Extension Program and Agricultural Experiment Station: Specifically funded under their respective sections.
  • Jenkins Center (Pine Bluff): Receiving targeted support for a training program.
  • UAPB students, faculty, staff, and ancillary services: Indirectly affected through approved operating funds, capital improvements, and personnel.

4) Timelines and Process

  • Fiscal Year: 2026-2027 (funds available through June 30, 2027; emergency clause supports immediate effectiveness on July 1, 2026).
  • The act includes an emergency clause for immediate effect.
  • Requires ongoing compliance with state fiscal controls and procurement laws.

Overall, SB 48 functions as a comprehensive annual appropriation bill for UAPB, detailing staffing ceilings, salary schedules, and funding across state operations, cash funds, and extension programs, with a notable capital investment and a targeted Jenkins Center partnership provision.

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

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