AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE - DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES REAPPROPRIATION.

Arkansas keeps funding statewide workforce programs

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law carries forward unused workforce funding authorized by Act 78 of 2025. The Skills Development Fund provides two funding limits for the Arkansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Skills Development. Up to $28 million covers staff, operating costs, debt payments, construction, property purchases, equipment, and grants. Another limit of $40 million covers staff, operating costs, equipment, and grants. Both support statewide workforce programs, not direct household payments. Agencies cannot award contracts or take on project costs beyond available State Treasury funds. They can add grants, donations, federal funds, and other uncommitted cash, but cannot use their maintenance and general operations appropriations. Spending must follow applicable purchasing, budgeting, revenue, and other fiscal laws unless another law specifically provides otherwise. Funds must serve the act’s stated purposes, as documented in official budget requests, recommendations, and legislative records.