Bill > HB1127

This bill provides a comprehensive appropriation for the Arkansas State Library for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, detailing the funding and operational parameters for the library system. The bill establishes maximum employee positions across various roles, from the State Library Director to Library Support Assistants, and authorizes a total of 12 regular full-time employees and 12 part-time or temporary employees across state and federal operations. The appropriation breaks down funding into several key categories: $1,677,479 for regular salaries and $10,000 for extra help in state operations, $458,899 for regular salaries and $22,000 for extra help in federal operations, $6,500,000 in aid to public libraries, and smaller allocations for grants administration and revolving funds. A significant policy provision requires the Arkansas State Library to review and modify state aid requirements for rural libraries, specifically addressing the one-mill property tax requirement that may be challenging for less populated areas to meet. The bill includes provisions for carrying forward unexpended balances, ensures compliance with state fiscal control laws, and includes an emergency clause to ensure the appropriation can take effect on July 1, 2025, emphasizing the critical nature of maintaining continuous library funding and operations.

Budget and Finance

Joint Budget Committee (J)

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1127&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R