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Bill Summary · HB 1331

Summary of House Bill 1331

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 1331
  • Title: To Require a County to Continue to Operate Under the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for the Prior Year if a New Annual Appropriation Ordinance is Not Adopted; and to Declare an Emergency.
  • Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
  • Introduced: January 30, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1331 was introduced to address the procedural challenges faced by county governments in Arkansas when an annual appropriation ordinance is not passed. The bill aimed to ensure that counties could continue to function and provide essential services by allowing them to operate under the previous year's budget until a new ordinance is adopted.

Key Provisions

  • Continuation of Expenditures: The bill proposed an amendment to Arkansas Code § 14-14-904(b)(1)(A)(ii) to include a provision that if a quorum court fails to pass a new annual appropriation ordinance, the county would continue to make expenditures based on the previous year's ordinance. This includes the payment of salaries to county employees.

  • Emergency Clause: The bill included an emergency clause, stating that the lack of an appropriation ordinance could jeopardize the provision of basic services and the financial stability of county employees. The emergency declaration aimed to expedite the bill's effectiveness to protect public peace, health, and safety.

Impact

  • Counties: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be county governments and their employees, ensuring that they can continue operations and receive salaries even in the absence of a new budget.

  • Public Services: By allowing counties to operate under the previous year's budget, the bill aimed to prevent disruptions in essential services provided to residents, thereby safeguarding public welfare.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:
    • January 30, 2025: The bill was filed, read for the first time, and referred to the Committee on City, County & Local Affairs.
    • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress to a vote.

Conclusion

House Bill 1331 sought to provide a critical safety net for county operations in Arkansas by allowing the continuation of funding and services in the absence of a new annual appropriation ordinance. Although the bill ultimately did not advance, its intent highlighted the importance of maintaining county functions and employee compensation during budgetary transitions.

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

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