AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

This bill authorizes funding and staffing for the Arkansas Department of Commerce and its Economic Development Commission for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It establishes specific maximum numbers of regular employees for various roles, including executive leadership, economic development specialists, and administrative staff, while also permitting the hiring of temporary workers as needed. The legislation appropriates approximately $6.8 million for the main department to cover salaries, benefits, and operating expenses, with additional funds allocated for the economic development commission. Once signed into law, these provisions will determine the budget and workforce size for the state agencies responsible for promoting commerce and economic growth.