Bill > SB24

This bill provides a comprehensive appropriation for the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, detailing funding allocations and operational guidelines. The bill establishes maximum salary levels for 61 different job classifications within the AGFC, ranging from the Director position at $170,437 to various specialist roles, and authorizes up to 185 part-time or temporary employees. The total appropriation from the Game Protection Fund is $159,195,881, which covers regular salaries, extra help, personal service matching, overtime, uniform allowance, operational expenses, travel, professional fees, capital outlay, grants, and construction. Additionally, the bill includes specific appropriations for targeted programs such as gas lease revenues ($5 million), Farm Bill biologist programs ($659,581), conservation partner program grants ($150,000), Black River Wildlife Management Area restoration ($13.25 million), marine fuel tax program ($6 million), and greentree reservoir and wetland habitat renovation ($20 million). The bill also includes special provisions allowing for fund transfers between line items with approval, authorizes purchasing promotional items up to $50,000, and places restrictions on the Director's salary increases. An emergency clause is included to ensure the appropriations can take effect on July 1, 2025, highlighting the critical nature of maintaining uninterrupted funding for the agency's operations.