HB 1083, now enacted as Act 106, reappropriates funds to the Arkansas Department of the Military for various capital projects at Camp Joseph T. Robinson and Fort Chaffee. The bill allocates money from federal sources and the Armory Construction Fund to support specific initiatives, including repairs and renovations at the Professional Education Center, construction of readiness centers, and improvements to training ranges and water storage facilities. Effective July 1, 2026, these funds are subject to strict financial controls that prevent contracts from exceeding available treasury amounts and prohibit using maintenance budgets for these capital projects. The legislation also declares an emergency to ensure the funds become available on time, as state law limits appropriations to a single fiscal year.
Senate Memorial Resolution 5 honors the late John Gill, a prominent Little Rock attorney, for his contributions to Arkansas law and civic life. The resolution formally recognizes his career achievements, including his military service, leadership roles in the Arkansas Bar Association, and involvement in state constitutional revisions. It also acknowledges his personal legacy through his family, his extensive writing, and his support for local landmarks and historical preservation efforts. This bill is a commemorative measure that does not create new laws or alter existing policies.
This bill provides funding for the Department of the Military for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It includes a specific amendment that removes Section 12 from the original text and renumbers the remaining sections accordingly. The legislation has been passed by both legislative chambers and signed into law as Act 103.
This bill provides funding for the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, covering both state operations and veterans' homes. It authorizes the hiring of up to 305 regular employees and allows for an additional 30 temporary or part-time staff members to assist with daily operations. The legislation appropriates approximately $2.6 million for state-level activities and over $11 million for veterans' homes, including salaries, operating expenses, and support for county veterans' service offices.
HB 1102 proposes a $400,000 state grant to the Department of Veterans Affairs to support the Veterans Council of NW Arkansas. The funds are designated specifically for the construction, renovation, upgrade, and expansion of the Veterans Wall of Honor in Bella Vista, Arkansas. The bill includes an emergency clause to ensure the money is available starting July 1, 2026, and outlines standard state financial rules for spending. Although the legislation was introduced in April 2026, it did not advance beyond the House Budget Committee before the session ended.
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.
This Senate Memorial Resolution honors the memory of Representative Stanley Jack "Stan" Berry, who passed away in March 2026, and recognizes his contributions to Arkansas and his local community. The bill formally acknowledges Berry's extensive public service, including his roles in the National Guard, various local boards, and his legislative career representing District 44. It also notes his leadership on several committees and his dedication to education and community support throughout his life. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the document to Berry's family as a gesture of respect.
