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ArkansasHB10202026 Fiscal SessionHouseWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Joint Budget Committee

Enacted

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

10 provisions identified: 9 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Funding keeps Arkansas transportation services running

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the law authorizes $2.7605 billion from the state transportation fund for roads, bridges, ferries, and agency operations. It includes $1.8 billion for capital projects, $280 million for upkeep and operations, and $130 million for professional fees. Payroll funding includes $280 million for regular salaries, $140 million for employer payroll taxes and benefits, and $10 million for overtime. It also provides $70 million for transportation grants, $50 million for debt payments, and $500,000 for conferences and travel. The department can transfer savings among operating items, subject to review and notice, and cover shortages in legally required employer payments. Spending remains subject to state purchasing, accounting, budget, and revenue controls.

Funding supports Arkansas four-lane highways

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the law authorizes $435 million from the state transportation fund for four-lane highway purposes. The money supports bond repayment, debt-service transfers, bond redemption, and additional highway construction and improvements. The budget lists $400 million for capital projects, $30 million for professional fees, and $5 million for operations. Spending must serve the purposes allowed by Arkansas Constitution Amendment 91.

Funding supports Arkansas highway worker pensions

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law authorizes $270 million in spending from the Arkansas State Highway Employees' Retirement System Fund. It supports pension payments, investments, benefits, refunds, and system expenses through June 30, 2027. The total includes $250 million for benefits and system expenses and $4 million for refunds and reimbursements. This is spending authority from the retirement fund, not a stated increase in each retiree's check.

Funding keeps weather warning radio operating

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law provides $4,000 for weather warning radio system operating expenses. The transportation department receives the spending authority for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration system through June 30, 2027. The money supports system operations, not payments to radio users.

Grants support Arkansas public transit riders

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the law provides $7 million in grants from the Arkansas Public Transit Trust Fund. The money helps obtain federal matching funds for transit vehicles, equipment, and facilities, and supports federal transit assistance programs. Another $350,000 funds grants to rural and urban transit agencies serving people who depend on public transportation. Those grants cover project applications, program development, federal matching funds, capital improvements, and operating help. Transit agencies receive the grants; the law does not set individual rider payments or eligibility rules.

Grants support safer Arkansas truck travel

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the law provides $7 million from the Commercial Truck Safety and Education Fund. This includes $6.9 million for grants and aid. The money supports public-private programs for enforcement, compliance with regulations, industry training, and safety education on state highways. It funds safety programs rather than creating new household payments or truck fees.

Grants fund regional Arkansas transportation facilities

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law provides $525,000 in grants for regional facilities connecting different forms of transportation. The money comes from the state transportation fund and is available through June 30, 2027. The grants support facilities rather than direct household payments.

Road repair funding for Arkansas communities

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the law funds county roads and municipal streets through separate state aid funds. County roads get $34 million, including $30 million for grants and $4 million for operations. Municipal streets get $34 million, including $32 million for grants and $2 million for operations. These programs fund construction, rebuilding, improvements, engineering, authorized transfers, and refunds to counties or municipalities. A separate road and bridge fund provides $5 million for repairs and maintenance, including local-government grants for damage from natural gas extraction equipment.

College grants support transportation workforce training

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law provides $1.5 million for transportation research or workforce development grants. Publicly funded colleges and universities receive grants through the transportation department. The money comes from the Future Transportation Research and Workforce Development Fund and is available through June 30, 2027. The law does not set individual student awards or eligibility rules.

Pay limits for Arkansas transportation workers

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the law caps staff counts and annual pay for listed Arkansas transportation jobs. Top pay caps are $290,815 for the director, $254,483 for chief engineers, and $231,348 for the assistant chief. The Highway Commission sets individual pay within each job's cap and available funding. These jobs are exempt from the state's uniform job classification and pay law, but regular salary procedures and restrictions still apply. The pay period starting in June 2026 and ending in July 2026 can use the new year's salary and overtime funds.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joint Budget Committee

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 121 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/27/2026

Senate Vote - Monday, April 27, 2026 3:30:00 PM

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 4/23/2026

House Vote - Thursday, April 23, 2026 11:29:40 AM

Yes: 88 • No: 2 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Notification that HB1020 is now Act 123

    4/29/2026House

  2. Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's Office.

    4/28/2026House

  3. TO BE ENROLLED

    4/27/2026House

  4. Returned from the Senate as passed.

    4/27/2026House

  5. Returned to the House as Passed.

    4/27/2026Senate

  6. EMERGENCY CLAUSE ADOPTED

    4/27/2026Senate

  7. Read the third time and passed.

    4/27/2026Senate

  8. Read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and placed on the calendar.

    4/23/2026Senate

  9. Received from the House.

    4/23/2026Senate

  10. EMERGENCY CLAUSE ADOPTED

    4/23/2026House

  11. Read the third time and passed and ordered transmitted to the Senate.

    4/23/2026House

  12. Returned by the Committee Do Pass

    4/22/2026House

  13. Read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and referred to the Committee on JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

    4/8/2026House

  14. Filed

    4/1/2026House

Bill Text

  • HB1020 - Introduced

    4/1/2026

    PDF

  • Act Version

    PDF

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