This act authorizes funding for the Office of the Prosecutor Coordinator in Arkansas for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It allocates approximately $1.52 million for salaries, benefits, and operational expenses to support the office's core staff, which includes prosecutors, attorneys, and administrative personnel. The legislation also provides $606,461 specifically for the "Paws for Justice" state program to employ certified dog handlers and a coordinator. Additionally, the bill funds $70,660 for law enforcement and prosecutor drug enforcement training and $88,881 for student loan repayment assistance for eligible public defenders and deputy prosecuting attorneys.
HB 1093 reappropriates specific funds to the Arkansas Department of Corrections for use starting July 1, 2026, covering prison expansion, facility repairs, and various operational projects. The bill allocates money for specific initiatives such as a water treatment plant replacement, security camera installation, and flooring work at designated units. A key provision restricts funds designated for prison expansion from being used to build a facility in Franklin County, while allowing their use for other capacity increases and recidivism programs. The legislation also includes standard financial controls to ensure contracts do not exceed available funds and that these capital funds are not mixed with general operating budgets.
This bill reappropriates approximately $671,398 from the Community Correction Revolving Fund to the Arkansas Department of Corrections for capital projects at its Division of Community Correction facilities. The funds are designated for maintenance, repairs, construction, and upgrades of real property and facilities, with spending limited to the amount of state treasury money actually available. The legislation includes standard financial controls, such as prohibiting the use of these funds for general operations and requiring compliance with state purchasing and budget laws. An emergency clause ensures the funding takes effect on July 1, 2026, to prevent disruption to essential correctional services.
This bill authorizes funding for the Arkansas Sentencing Commission, a unit within the Department of Corrections, for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It allocates $475,757 to cover salaries for three specific staff positions and various operating expenses such as travel, conferences, and professional fees. The legislation also sets the maximum number of regular employees allowed for the commission at three and requires all spending to follow state laws regarding procurement and budget procedures. Once signed into law, the funds become available on July 1, 2026, to support the commission's daily operations.
This bill allocates $506,000 in state funding to the Arkansas Department of Corrections for reentry center grants during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The money will support programs that help individuals transitioning from incarceration to community life, with funds drawn from the Division of Community Correction Fund Account. The legislation includes standard state financial compliance requirements and declares an emergency to ensure the funding takes effect on July 1, 2026, regardless of legislative delays.
