HB 1079 authorizes $1 million for the Arkansas Department of Corrections to purchase and operate technology designed to detect and stop illegal wireless devices in prisons. The funds will be used to implement systems that monitor and mitigate contraband activity within correctional facilities for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This legislation includes standard requirements to follow state procurement and budget laws when spending the money.
This Senate resolution authorizes the introduction of a bill to update Arkansas laws governing digital asset mining businesses and home miners. The proposed legislation would clarify operational requirements for these businesses, such as noise reduction measures and utility usage, while explicitly prohibiting local governments from banning home mining or imposing stricter rules on miners than those applied to data centers. It also allows individuals to mine cryptocurrency at home without needing a permit and ensures they are not classified as money transmitters. Although the bill was introduced, it failed to pass the Senate before the legislative session ended.
SB 62, now Act 85, directs the state to reappropriate previously allocated funds for capital improvements at several Arkansas public universities, including Arkansas State, Arkansas Tech, and Henderson State. The bill authorizes specific spending on construction projects, building renovations, utility and technology upgrades, deferred maintenance, and the replacement of equipment and library materials. These financial allocations are set to become effective on July 1, 2026, and are drawn from existing state funds designated for higher education development and enhancement.
This bill, now enacted as Act 87, reauthorizes approximately $1.36 million in state funds to the Office of State Technology within the Department of Shared Administrative Services. The money is designated specifically for replacing Uninterruptible Power Supply systems at the Data Center West facility in Little Rock to ensure critical technology infrastructure remains operational. The legislation includes standard financial controls to prevent spending beyond available funds and mandates that these capital project dollars be used exclusively for this repair work rather than general operations. An emergency clause was added to ensure the funding becomes effective on July 1, 2026, preventing any disruption to essential government services during the legislative process.
This bill proposes prohibiting digital asset miners in Arkansas from using computers or software developed by specific foreign entities, including those from China and Russia. The law defines these restricted entities as those on U.S. government screening lists, those domiciled in China or Russia, or any subsidiaries controlled by them. If a miner violates this rule, they face a Class A misdemeanor charge for a first offense and a Class D felony for subsequent violations. Ultimately, the bill did not become law as it died in committee before the end of the legislative session.
HB 1003 authorizes funding for the Arkansas House of Representatives staff for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, covering salaries, operations, and technology expenses. The bill establishes specific employee positions and budgets for the House staff, member services, and information technology departments, totaling approximately $2.29 million. It also allocates $50,000 to support members attending legislative orientation and briefing meetings before sessions begin. This legislation provides the necessary financial resources to maintain the daily operations and administrative functions of the state legislature.
HB 1096 authorizes the transfer of previously approved funds to four Arkansas State University campuses and one community college for use starting July 1, 2026. The bill allocates money for specific projects such as building renovations, technology upgrades, critical maintenance, and equipment repairs. These funds come from the Development and Enhancement Fund and are intended to support ongoing infrastructure and operational needs at the affected institutions.
Senate Bill 47, now enacted as Act 21, provides funding for the Arkansas State University System Technology Center (SAU-Tech) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The legislation establishes specific maximum salary rates and employee counts for various administrative, technical, and operational positions within the organization. By setting these limits, the bill determines the total budget allocation for regular salaries and operating expenses during the specified fiscal period.
This bill, which did not advance beyond committee, would update Arkansas laws to regulate digital asset mining businesses and clarify the authority of local governments. It requires mining operations to comply with existing state and local rules, pay all applicable taxes, and use specific noise-reduction techniques like liquid cooling or fully enclosed equipment. The legislation also prohibits local governments from banning home mining, requiring permits for it, or imposing stricter noise limits on mining than on other data centers.
Senate Bill 58, now Act 138, provides funding for the Arkansas Department of Education's Division of Higher Education for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill authorizes specific job positions and sets salary limits for staff within the division, including roles for program management, grants administration, and IT support. Additionally, it allocates money to support various student financial aid programs, such as the Arkansas Future Grants and the Arkansas Heroes Scholarship. The legislation also includes operating expenses for the State Board of Private Career Education to cover its administrative costs.
