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HB 1229

RELATING TO FOSTER CARE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 12 co-sponsors

House Bill 1229 allocates $4.68 million to Ozarka College for salaries and operations, enhancing educational services for students and supporting faculty and staff.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#dhs #fostercare #savingsaccount #socialsecuritypayments
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Bill Summary · HB 1229

Summary of House Bill 1229: Relating to Foster Care

Overview

House Bill 1229 (HB 1229) is a legislative proposal introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly on January 27, 2025. The bill primarily focuses on appropriating funds for personal services and operating expenses for Ozarka College for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It is classified under the subjects of the Department of Human Services (DHS), foster care, savings accounts, and social security payments.

Purpose and Intent

The main intent of HB 1229 is to ensure adequate funding for the operational needs of Ozarka College, which includes salaries for faculty and staff, as well as other necessary expenses. The bill aims to support the college's educational and administrative functions, thereby enhancing the quality of education and services provided to students.

Key Provisions

  • Appropriation of Funds: The bill allocates a total of $4,677,917 for the fiscal year 2025-2026, which includes:

    • Regular Salaries: $3,400,000
    • Extra Help: $50,000
    • Personal Services Matching: $1,000,000
    • Maintenance and General Operations: $5,159
    • Contingency Funds: $222,758

  • Employee Positions: The bill establishes a maximum number of regular employees at Ozarka College, detailing various administrative and academic positions along with their corresponding salary rates.

  • Temporary Employment: It authorizes the hiring of up to 100 part-time or temporary employees as needed, with pay rates not exceeding those established by the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act.

Affected Parties

The primary beneficiaries of HB 1229 include:
- Ozarka College: The institution will receive funding to maintain and enhance its operations.
- Students: Improved services and educational offerings are expected to benefit the student body.
- Employees: Faculty and staff salaries will be supported through the appropriated funds.

Legislative Process and Timeline

  • Introduced: January 27, 2025
  • Passed: The bill was read and passed multiple times in both the House and Senate, with an emergency clause adopted on February 5, 2025.
  • Final Actions: The bill was correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office on February 6, 2025, and was subsequently enacted as Act 35 on February 11, 2025.

Related Legislation

  • SB 974: This bill is noted as a companion to HB 1229, indicating that there may be similar or related legislative efforts regarding funding or support for educational institutions.

Conclusion

HB 1229 represents a significant investment in the operational capacity of Ozarka College, ensuring that the institution can continue to provide quality education and services to its students. The appropriations outlined in the bill are crucial for maintaining staff and supporting the college's various programs and initiatives.

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

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