AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

Arkansas funds child support services for families

The law provides about $77.91 million for Arkansas’s child support office from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Money comes from the Child Support Enforcement Fund to support collecting and sending child support payments. Funding includes $34.89 million for regular salaries, $14.16 million for employer payroll costs, and $14.54 million for operating expenses. It also includes $13.85 million for data processing and equipment, $250,000 for professional services, and $25,000 for conferences and travel. Another $100,000 funds capital purchases, and $100,000 pays temporary staff. The office can employ up to 775 regular workers and 15 temporary or part-time workers when needed. Temporary workers are exempt from limits on hours, but their pay cannot exceed applicable state job pay rates. The department must report temporary assignments lasting more than seven months to the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee. Spending cannot exceed the approved budget or legally available funds and must follow state purchasing, accounting, and budget rules. This funding does not change household child support eligibility, obligations, or payment amounts, or guarantee payments.