WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1259

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 16 co-sponsors

HB 1259 allocates $4.79 million to the University of Arkansas and Division of Agriculture, ensuring vital funding for biosciences research and education through June 2026.

Act 196, 06/06/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1296).
#dot #factorstoconsider #reduction #speedlimits
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1259

Summary of House Bill 1259 (HB 1259)

Overview

Bill Number: HB 1259
Title: Relating to Transportation
Status: Act 196, effective June 6, 2025
Introduced: January 27, 2025
Primary Sponsor: TAM
Cosponsor: Amato

House Bill 1259 is a legislative measure aimed at appropriating funds for personal services and operating expenses for the University of Arkansas and the Division of Agriculture's Arkansas Biosciences Institute for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 1259 is to ensure adequate funding for the University of Arkansas and its Division of Agriculture, specifically for the Arkansas Biosciences Institute. This funding is critical for maintaining operations, supporting research, and facilitating educational programs related to biosciences.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several key appropriations and provisions:

  1. Appropriations for the University of Arkansas:

    • Total Amount: $2,375,563
    • Breakdown:
      • Regular Salaries: $480,000
      • Personal Services Matching: $75,000
      • Maintenance & General Operation: $800,000
      • Capital Outlay: $1,020,563

  2. Appropriations for the Division of Agriculture:

    • Total Amount: $2,415,432
    • Breakdown:
      • Regular Salaries: $1,370,000
      • Personal Services Matching: $365,432
      • Maintenance & General Operation: $400,000
      • Conference & Travel: $30,000
      • Professional Fees: $100,000
      • Capital Outlay: $150,000

  3. Transfer Provisions:

    • The bill allows the state-supported institution to transfer appropriations between various line items with prior approval from the Division of Higher Education and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.

  4. Emergency Clause:

    • An emergency clause is included, stating that the act is necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety, making it effective from July 1, 2025.

Impact

The passage of HB 1259 will directly impact the University of Arkansas and the Division of Agriculture by providing essential funding for personnel and operational expenses. This funding is particularly important for maintaining the functionality of the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, which plays a crucial role in agricultural research and education in the state.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 27, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Joint Budget Committee.
  • February 11, 2025: Passed third reading and adopted an emergency clause.
  • June 6, 2025: Signed into law as Act 196.

Conclusion

House Bill 1259 represents a significant investment in the University of Arkansas and its agricultural research initiatives. By ensuring funding for the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, the bill aims to enhance the state's capabilities in biosciences, ultimately benefiting the agricultural sector and the broader community.

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

Sign in to ask a question.