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ArkansasSB382026 Fiscal SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

Sponsored By: Joint Budget Committee

Enacted

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Arkansas funds veterans’ benefits assistance offices

For July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the law provides about $2.59 million for veterans department operations. That includes $516,000 for county veterans’ service offices, which help veterans and families seek benefits. A separate $51,752 funds staff and operations at the Disabled Veterans’ Services Office. These funds support benefits assistance, not new individual payments or eligibility rules. Spending remains subject to state fiscal laws and finance department rules.

Arkansas funds veterans’ cemeteries and funeral honors

For July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, cemetery operations receive about $1.185 million in state funds and $668,808 in cash funds. The state allocation includes $50,000 for cemetery realignment and maintenance. Cash-funded cemeteries can use up to five temporary or part-time workers when needed, paid from designated funds within state job rates. The Military Funeral Honors Program receives $45,900 for operating costs. Another $2 million in federal funds supports North Little Rock cemetery construction and expansion; the chief fiscal officer designates those funds and selects the operating cash funds.

Arkansas preserves money for veterans’ cemetery maintenance

The chief fiscal officer can carry forward up to $50,000 left in veterans department operations funds after fiscal year 2025–2026. The money goes into a cemetery sub-fund for realignment and maintenance during July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Before June 30, 2026, the department must explain the carryforward in writing to the state budget office. That office must report the amount to the Arkansas Legislative Council by its September meeting. The department must also provide a written report and project update at least 30 days before presenting its budget request.

Arkansas funds aid for veterans’ children

For July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the Arkansas Veterans’ Child Welfare Service receives $179,381. This includes $107,762 for grants or aid to minor children of veterans. The remaining money supports staff and operating costs. The provision does not state individual award amounts or eligibility criteria.

Arkansas funds veterans’ homes and workers

For July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the law provides about $33.14 million for Arkansas veterans’ homes. This pays for staff, benefits, operations, equipment, and maintenance, including $550,000 for overtime. The department can use up to 30 temporary or part-time workers when needed. Their pay must come from funds set aside for that purpose and stay within applicable state job pay rates. The state’s chief fiscal officer selects the cash funds used; the law sets no new resident payment or eligibility rules.

Northwest Arkansas veterans’ home gets construction funding

For July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the law authorizes $45 million for a Northwest Arkansas veterans’ home. This includes $15 million in state cash matching funds and $30 million in federal funds. The money covers land, improvements, construction, renovation, and equipment. The state’s chief fiscal officer selects the cash funds and designates the federal funds. The law does not set an opening date, resident charges, or individual admission rules.

Arkansas veterans department staffing is capped

From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, Arkansas limits its veterans department to 305 regular employees. The law also sets the allowed positions and salary grades. This is a staffing ceiling, not a cut to individual veterans’ benefits.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joint Budget Committee

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 126 • No: 0

House vote • 4/16/2026

House Vote - Thursday, April 16, 2026 11:43:22 AM

Yes: 92 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 4/15/2026

Senate Vote - Wednesday, April 15, 2026 2:01:17 PM

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Notification that SB38 is now Act 16

    4/23/2026Senate

  2. DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR.

    4/16/2026Senate

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

    4/16/2026Senate

  4. ORDERED ENROLLED

    4/16/2026Senate

  5. Returned from the House as passed.

    4/16/2026Senate

  6. Returned To Senate as Passed.

    4/16/2026House

  7. EMERGENCY CLAUSE ADOPTED

    4/16/2026House

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

    4/16/2026House

  9. Considered in the Committee of the Whole, and recommended do pass.

    4/16/2026House

  10. RULES SUSPENDED

    4/16/2026House

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

    4/15/2026House

  12. RECEIVED FROM THE SENATE

    4/15/2026House

  13. Ordered Immediately transmitted to the House.

    4/15/2026Senate

  14. EMERGENCY CLAUSE ADOPTED

    4/15/2026Senate

  15. Read the third time and passed.

    4/15/2026Senate

  16. Returned by the Committee, with the recommendation that it Do Pass

    4/14/2026Senate

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

    4/8/2026Senate

  18. Filed

    4/1/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • SB38 - Introduced

    4/1/2026

    PDF

  • Act Version

    PDF

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