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SB 69

AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION.

2026 Fiscal Session

Provides a $30 million one-time cash infusion for University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture capital improvements, with emergency status and strict compliance.

Notification that SB69 is now Act 90
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Bill Summary · SB 69

Summary of SB 69 (Session 2026F) — Arkansas

Title

AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION

Purpose and Intent

  • To provide a supplemental capital improvements appropriation to the University of Arkansas - Division of Agriculture (UADA).
  • The funding is additional to any funds previously appropriated by Act 899 of 2025.
  • Declares emergency to ensure immediate availability of funds for essential governmental services.

Key Provisions

  • Appropriation Amount and Source

    • $30,000,000 (capital improvements) for the **Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
    • Funds are to be disbursed from cash funds as defined by Arkansas Code 19-4-801.
    • This appropriation is supplemental to, and in addition to, funds already provided in Act 899 of 2025 (Section 4).

  • Use of Funds

    • Funds are restricted to capital improvement projects for the University of Arkansas - Division of Agriculture.
    • Disbursement must conform to all applicable state fiscal controls and laws (State Procurement Law, General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, Revenue Stabilization Law, Regular Salary Procedures and Restrictions Act, Higher Education Expenditure Restriction Act, etc.), as well as any regulations by the Department of Finance and Administration.

  • Legislative Intent and Compliance

    • The General Assembly emphasizes that funds must be used in accordance with the stated purposes and the budget manuals (Agency Requests, Executive Recommendations, and Legislative Recommendations) used in the appropriation process.

  • Emergency Clause

    • Acknowledges an emergency need to provide the funds to prevent disruption of essential governmental services.
    • Establishes that the act shall be in full force and effect immediately upon passage and approval, or as otherwise provided if a veto occurs and is overridden.

Affected Parties

  • Primary recipient: University of Arkansas - Division of Agriculture
  • Indirectly affected: State agencies and departments involved in procurement, budgeting, and oversight of capital improvements and higher education expenditures.
  • General public: Through improved or expanded agricultural infrastructure and services supported by the Division of Agriculture.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Filed and Introduced: 2026-04-14
  • Status in 2026: Referred to the Joint Budget Committee after first reading (rules suspended).
  • Effective Date: Emergency clause implies immediate effectiveness upon passage and approval; otherwise, would be subject to standard gubernatorial veto override timing.

Potential Impacts

  • Enables accelerated capital improvement projects for UADA, potentially advancing research facilities, outreach infrastructure, or other capital needs.
  • Adds a sizable one-time cash-funded infusion ($30 million) for capital investments beyond Act 899 of 2025.
  • Requires strict adherence to existing fiscal controls and procurement laws, ensuring proper use and accountability of funds.

If you’d like, I can add a plain-language example of how the funds might be used (e.g., facility upgrades, new equipment, or infrastructure improvements) and potential oversight considerations.

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

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