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ArkansasSB52026 Fiscal SessionSenate

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - ARKANSAS TOBACCO SETTLEMENT COMMISSION APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.

Sponsored By: Joint Budget Committee

Enacted

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Funding for Arkansas tobacco settlement oversight

From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission has a $357,456 budget for oversight operations. The money comes from the Tobacco Settlement Commission Fund to monitor and evaluate Tobacco Settlement Program Fund accounts. The law allows one regular employee: an Administrative Analyst at salary grade SGS05. It provides $43,881 for regular salaries, $18,000 for employer matching costs, and $42,575 for operating expenses. It also provides $3,000 for conferences and travel and $250,000 for professional fees. Capital purchases, data processing, and Tobacco Settlement grants each receive $0. Spending cannot exceed the approved budget or available funds. Transfers are allowed only through this act, not the state's general transfer authority. When operating budget categories are inadequate, the agency head can request changes using the Chief Fiscal Officer's forms. That officer reviews requests and authorizes transfers with Legislative Council approval; this transfer authority is void if that approval requirement is unconstitutional. Transfers from capital purchases or data processing need specific legal authority. An exception allows capital money to move to data processing when the Office of State Technology finds it cost-efficient. Spending must follow state purchasing, accounting, budget, and salary laws, plus Department of Finance and Administration rules. It must also follow Initiated Act 1 of 2000 and the agency, executive, and legislative budget recommendations.

Settlement-funded workers get warnings, not guarantees

From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, continued funding for settlement-funded positions is not guaranteed when settlement money is insufficient. When settlement funds expire, state money can replace them only with a legislative appropriation and the Governor's authorization. The commission must provide these funding warnings to new hires and current workers whose positions use Tobacco Settlement money. The warnings must also appear in employee handbooks or professional services contracts where applicable.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joint Budget Committee

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 195 • No: 19

House vote • 4/21/2026

House Vote - Tuesday, April 21, 2026 1:20:40 PM

Yes: 90 • No: 5 • Other: 3

House vote • 4/16/2026

House Vote - Thursday, April 16, 2026 11:35:06 AM

Yes: 71 • No: 14 • Other: 8

Senate vote • 4/15/2026

Senate Vote - Wednesday, April 15, 2026 1:46:42 PM

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Notification that SB5 is now Act 65

    4/29/2026Senate

  2. DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR.

    4/21/2026Senate

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

    4/21/2026Senate

  4. ORDERED ENROLLED

    4/21/2026Senate

  5. Returned from the House as passed.

    4/21/2026Senate

  6. Returned to the Senate as passed.

    4/21/2026House

  7. EMERGENCY CLAUSE ADOPTED

    4/21/2026House

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

    4/21/2026House

  9. Read the third time and failed.

    4/16/2026House

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

    4/15/2026House

  11. RECEIVED FROM THE SENATE

    4/15/2026House

  12. Ordered Immediately transmitted to the House.

    4/15/2026Senate

  13. EMERGENCY CLAUSE ADOPTED

    4/15/2026Senate

  14. Read the third time and passed.

    4/15/2026Senate

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

    4/14/2026Senate

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

    4/8/2026Senate

  17. Filed

    4/1/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • SB5 - Introduced

    4/1/2026

    PDF

  • Act Version

    PDF

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