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SB 637

Creating Paid Parental Leave Pilot Program

2025 Regular Session

Senate Bill 637 allocates $6.49 billion in state revenues for 2025-2026, funding education, human services, and local governments to support essential services in Arkansas.

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Bill Summary · SB 637

Summary of Senate Bill 637 (SB 637)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 637 (SB 637) aims to amend the Revenue Stabilization Law in Arkansas, establishing new allocations for state revenues for the fiscal year 2025-2026 and beyond. The bill also declares an emergency, indicating the need for immediate implementation of its provisions.

Key Provisions

The bill includes significant amendments to the Arkansas Code, specifically sections 19-5-401 and 19-5-402, which detail the allocation of general revenues. The main provisions are as follows:

Revenue Allocations

  • Effective Date: The new allocations will commence on July 1, 2025, and will apply to each fiscal year thereafter.
  • Monthly Transfers: The Treasurer of State is required to transfer all remaining general revenues available for distribution on the last business day of July 2025 and each subsequent month. These revenues will be allocated to various funds based on predetermined proportions.

Maximum Allocations

The bill specifies maximum allocations for various funds, totaling $6,493,998,981. Key allocations include:
- Public School Fund: Approximately $2.44 billion for elementary and secondary education.
- Department of Human Services Fund: Over $1.4 billion for various services, including children and family services, youth services, and developmental disabilities.
- Higher Education Funds: Significant allocations for multiple universities and colleges, including the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University.

Specific Fund Allocations

The bill outlines allocations for numerous specific accounts, including but not limited to:
- General Education Fund: Allocations for educational facilities and services.
- Public Health Fund: Approximately $82.75 million.
- County Aid Fund: $21.43 million for local government support.

Affected Parties

The bill impacts a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Public Schools: Funding for K-12 education and related services.
- Higher Education Institutions: Financial support for state universities and colleges.
- Human Services: Funding for programs assisting children, families, and individuals with disabilities.
- Local Governments: Financial aid through the County Aid Fund.

Procedural Aspects

  • Emergency Clause: The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing for its immediate enactment upon being signed into law.
  • Legislative Timeline:
    • Introduced on April 9, 2025.
    • Passed through both chambers of the General Assembly on April 15-16, 2025.
    • Became Act 1018 on April 23, 2025.

Conclusion

SB 637 represents a significant legislative effort to stabilize and allocate state revenues effectively for essential services in Arkansas. By establishing clear funding mechanisms for education, human services, and local governments, the bill aims to address the financial needs of various sectors within the state.

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

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