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Bill

SB 52

"Timberlands Recovery, Exemption, and Earnings Stability (TREES) Act"; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Anavitarte and 35 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 52 allocates $3.2M for Auditor salaries and $35M for unclaimed property claims, ensuring efficient operations and support for claimants in Arkansas.

House Second Readers
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Bill Summary · SB 52

Summary of Senate Bill 52 (SB 52)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 52 (SB 52) is designed to make appropriations for the personal services and operating expenses of the Auditor of State, specifically for the Operations and Unclaimed Property Program for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The bill aims to ensure that the Auditor of State has the necessary funding to effectively manage operations and fulfill its responsibilities regarding unclaimed property.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several key provisions related to appropriations and staffing:

1. Regular Salaries - Operations

  • Establishes maximum salaries for various positions within the Auditor of State's office for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, including:
    • Deputy Auditor: $165,160
    • Chief of Staff: $126,675
    • IT Tech: $126,675
    • Accounting Tech I: $47,255
  • Total appropriated for regular salaries in Operations: $3,193,343.

2. Extra Help - Operations

  • Authorizes up to five temporary or part-time employees as needed, with pay rates not exceeding those established in the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act.

3. Unclaimed Property Program

  • Establishes maximum salaries for positions within the Unclaimed Property Program, including:
    • Assistant Chief of Staff/UCP Operations Manager: $126,675
    • UCP Compliance Manager: $91,175
  • Total appropriated for regular salaries in the Unclaimed Property Program: $3,985,089.

4. Payment of Unclaimed Property Claims

  • Appropriates $35,000,000 for the payment of unclaimed property claims, ensuring that the Auditor of State can fulfill its obligations to claimants.

5. Special Provisions

  • Allows the Auditor of State to transfer appropriations between line items within the Operations and Unclaimed Property Program, subject to approval from the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State.

Affected Parties

  • The bill primarily affects the Auditor of State's office and its employees, as well as individuals and entities with unclaimed property claims. It ensures that the office is adequately funded to manage operations and process claims efficiently.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025
  • Reported from TCA/AEN: February 11, 2025
  • Passed: The bill has undergone multiple readings and amendments, with significant actions including:
    • Emergency clause adopted on April 9, 2025.
    • Delivered to the Governor on April 14, 2025.
  • Current Status: As of April 21, 2025, SB 52 is now Act 894.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 52 is a crucial legislative measure that provides necessary funding for the Auditor of State's operations and the management of unclaimed property in Arkansas. By establishing salary structures and appropriating funds, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Auditor's office in serving the public.

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

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