RELATING TO HOUSING.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 3 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 75 allocates $8.8M for the Arkansas School for the Blind and Deaf, ensuring quality education and support for students through essential funding and resources.

Reported from HOU (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading and referral to WAM.

#housing #prioritization #qualifiedallocationplan #rhrf #report #terms #workinggroup

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 75 (SB 75) is designed to make appropriations for personal services and operating expenses for the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill aims to ensure that these educational institutions have the necessary funding to operate effectively and meet the needs of their students.

Key Provisions

Appropriations for the Arkansas School for the Blind:

Total Appropriation: $8,847,780 for the fiscal year 2025-2026.
Breakdown:
- Regular Salaries: $4,299,941
- Extra Help: $25,000
- Personal Services Matching: $1,690,455
- Maintenance and General Operations: $1,419,747
- Special Maintenance: $1,200,000
- Vocational Workstudy: $10,000
- Summer Projects: $25,000
- Braille and Large Print Textbooks: $223,024

Appropriations for the Arkansas School for the Deaf:

Total Appropriation: Specific amounts for the School for the Deaf are detailed in the bill, including provisions for regular salaries and operational expenses.

Extra Help:

Authorization for up to 17 temporary or part-time employees as needed, with pay rates not exceeding those established by the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act.

Student Needs and Campus Enhancements:

An additional appropriation of $250,000 for student needs and campus enhancements at the Arkansas School for the Deaf.

Affected Parties

Students: The bill directly impacts students attending the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf by ensuring that the schools have the resources needed to provide quality education and support services.

Staff: The bill establishes maximum employee counts and salary rates for various positions within both schools, affecting current and future staff employment.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced: January 16, 2025

Status: Reported from the House Committee on Housing (HOU) with a recommendation for passage on Second Reading and referral to the Ways and Means Committee (WAM).

Legislative Actions: The bill has undergone several readings and amendments, including the adoption of an emergency clause, which allows for expedited implementation of the appropriations.

Final Status: As of March 4, 2025, SB 75 has been enacted as Act 244.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 75 is a critical piece of legislation that provides necessary funding for the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf, ensuring that these institutions can continue to serve their students effectively. The bill outlines specific appropriations for salaries, operational expenses, and enhancements, reflecting a commitment to supporting education for students with disabilities in Arkansas.

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