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SB 41

AN ACT FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - FAYETTEVILLE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

2026 Fiscal Session

Funds the University of Arkansas–Fayetteville for 2026-27, detailing staff levels, salaries, and capital/operational funding across state, cash, and earmarked sources.

DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR.
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Bill Summary · SB 41

Summary: SB 41 (2026F) — Arkansas University of Arkansas – Fayetteville Appropriation for 2026-2027

Purpose and intent

SB 41 proposes an annual operating and personnel appropriation for the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville (UAF) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The act establishes authorized staffing levels and compensation, and appropriates funds from multiple sources (state funds, cash funds, and special revenues) to cover regular salaries, operating expenses, and additional program-specific funding. The bill includes emergency clause language to ensure the appropriation takes effect July 1, 2026.

Key provisions and changes

  • Regular salaries and staffing (TWELVE MONTH EDUCATIONAL AND GENERAL)

    • Sets a detailed schedule of maximum regular staff positions with corresponding annual salary caps for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Notable categories include:
    • Deans (Business Administration, Engineering), Chancellor, Provost, Vice Chancellors, Directors, Department Chairs, and numerous faculty and academic positions.
    • A comprehensive list of administrative, IT, development, finance, public safety, facilities, and auxiliary positions with specified headcounts and salary caps (e.g., Dean of Business Administration at $552,827; Dean of Engineering at $479,117; Chancellor at $405,407; numerous associate/assistant levels with varying caps).
    • Also includes an extensive “IT Pool” with detailed salary ranges for information technology roles and a separate “Auxiliary Enterprises” section with athletic and health services-related positions.

  • Extra Help – Operations (Section 2)

    • Authorizes up to 3,208 temporary or part-time “Extra Help” employees for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, paid at rates consistent with the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act or other applicable act.

  • State operations appropriation (Section 3)

    • Regular salaries: $117,500,000
    • Personal services matching: $27,800,000
    • Maintenance & General Operations:
    • Operating expenses: $12,760,942
    • Contingency: $7,180,796
    • Total State Operations appropriation: $165,241,738

  • Cash Funds appropriation (Section 4)

    • Regular salaries: $390,000,000
    • Extra Help: $35,000,000
    • Overtime: $3,500,000
    • Personal services matching: $85,500,000
    • Maintenance & general operation totals (operating expense, travel, professional fees, capital outlay, data processing)
    • Capital improvements: $180,000,000
    • Debt service: $88,600,000
    • Promotional items: $2,500,000
    • Total Cash Funds appropriation: $1,189,650,000

  • Other earmarked appropriations (Sections 5-6)

    • University of Arkansas School of Law: $800,000 from special revenues (additional uniform filing fees)
    • College of Education and Health Professions – Partners for Inclusive Communities: $250,000 for personal services, maintenance, operating expenses, matching funds, and grants to develop state autism-related centers.

  • Compliance and intent (Sections 7-8)

    • Funds must comply with applicable procurement, budgeting, and higher education expenditure restrictions; language emphasizes alignment with agency requests and legislative recommendations.

  • Emergency clause (Section 9)

    • Declares an emergency to ensure the act takes effect on July 1, 2026, allowing timely operation for the 2026-2027 year.

Who/what is affected

  • The University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, including:
    • Regular instructional, research, and administrative staff across multiple colleges and units
    • Information technology staff
    • Auxiliary units (e.g., athletics, health services)
    • Arkansas Garvan Woodland Gardens (administrative/academic personnel)
    • Law School, and the Partners for Inclusive Communities program (state autism initiatives)

Timeline and fiscal impact

  • Enactment and effective date: July 1, 2026 (emergency clause to ensure immediate operation for 2026-2027)
  • Fiscal year covered: 2026-2027
  • Total appropriation (all sources combined): $1,354,891,738 (sum of state operations, cash funds, and earmarked sections; the act lists $165,241,738 state operations and $1,189,650,000 cash funds, plus specific line items)

This bill primarily formalizes the University’s 2026-2027 budget framework, specifying authorized positions, compensation ranges, and funding streams to support operations, personnel, capital projects, and targeted programs.

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

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