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ArkansasSB152026 Fiscal SessionSenate

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE, AND TOURISM - STATE PARKS AND TOURISM DIVISIONS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

Sponsored By: Joint Budget Committee

Enacted

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Funding for Arkansas parks and museums

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the law provides about $18.09 million from the Parks and Tourism Fund Account. This includes about $12.57 million for salaries and $30,000 for tourism and museum grants. A separate Conservation Tax appropriation provides about $83.58 million, including about $45.87 million for construction and $4 million for special maintenance. The special maintenance program requires approval from the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee. Parks operations also receive about $41.51 million from state treasury cash funds selected by the Chief Fiscal Officer. The Museum of Natural Resources receives $110,668 from its own fund for staffing.

Funding for Keep Arkansas Beautiful

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the law provides about $1.06 million for Keep Arkansas Beautiful. The money comes from its dedicated fund account using Amendment 75 Conservation Tax proceeds. It supports staffing and program operations, including $600,000 for advertising, $125,000 for professional services, and $40,000 for grants. This is program funding, not a direct household payment.

Funding for outdoor recreation grants

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the law funds two sources of outdoor recreation grants. The Parks and Tourism Outdoor Recreation Grants Fund provides about $10.02 million, including about $9.72 million for grants. Federal funding provides about $8.45 million for the statewide outdoor recreation plan, including about $8.31 million for grants. The Chief Fiscal Officer designates the federal funds. The money supports recreation projects and program costs, not direct household payments.

Funding for Arkansas tourism and festivals

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the Tourism Development Trust Fund provides about $33.40 million for tourism promotion. This includes about $24.26 million for advertising. The law reserves $150,000 from the existing 2% tourism tax for festivals in communities with fewer than 10,500 people. Festival money not awarded remains available for other tourism promotion. A separate $968,619 funds retirement and relocation promotion, including $898,619 for advertising; it does not provide retirement benefits or moving payments.

Funding for War Memorial Stadium repairs

For July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, the law provides $435,210 for War Memorial Stadium. This appropriation pays for staff and operations, plus major maintenance, renovation, scoreboard work, and repairs. It supports the stadium rather than providing direct household payments.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joint Budget Committee

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 129 • No: 0

House vote • 4/29/2026

House Vote - Wednesday, April 29, 2026 10:33:01 AM

Yes: 94 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 4/28/2026

Senate Vote - Tuesday, April 28, 2026 2:43:42 PM

Yes: 35 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Notification that SB15 is now Act 148

    5/1/2026Senate

  2. DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR.

    4/29/2026Senate

  3. Reported correctly enrolled and ordered delivered to the Governor.

    4/29/2026Senate

  4. ORDERED ENROLLED

    4/29/2026Senate

  5. Returned from the House as passed.

    4/29/2026Senate

  6. Returned to the Senate as passed.

    4/29/2026House

  7. EMERGENCY CLAUSE ADOPTED

    4/29/2026House

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

    4/29/2026House

  9. Read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and placed on the CALENDAR.

    4/28/2026House

  10. RECEIVED FROM THE SENATE

    4/28/2026House

  11. Ordered Immediately transmitted to the House.

    4/28/2026Senate

  12. EMERGENCY CLAUSE ADOPTED

    4/28/2026Senate

  13. Read the third time and passed.

    4/28/2026Senate

  14. REPORTED CORRECTLY ENGROSSED

    4/27/2026Senate

  15. Amendment # 1 read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and adopted, ordered engrossed.

    4/27/2026Senate

  16. Placed on second reading for purpose of amendment.

    4/27/2026Senate

  17. Returned by the Committee with the recommendation that it Do Pass as amended, Amendment # 1

    4/23/2026Senate

  18. Read first time, rules suspended, read second time, referred to JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

    4/8/2026Senate

  19. Filed

    4/1/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • SB15 - Introduced

    4/1/2026

    PDF

  • Act Version

    PDF

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