Bill > HB1126

This bill provides a comprehensive appropriation for the Department of Education's Office of Early Childhood for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The legislation establishes the maximum number of employees (37 full-time and 13 part-time or temporary) and allocates funding across several key areas. The total appropriation amounts to approximately $293.4 million, which includes $15.4 million from the Child Care and Early Childhood Education Fund Account for operations, $268.7 million in federal funds, $9 million for child care program grants, $200,000 for childcare facility grants, and $36,786 for loan guarantees. The bill specifies that funds must be used in compliance with state procurement, accounting, and budgetary laws, and emphasizes that disbursements should align with the original intent of the appropriation. An emergency clause is included to ensure the appropriation can take effect on July 1, 2025, recognizing the critical nature of maintaining continuous funding for early childhood education and support services. The legislation covers various operational expenses including salaries, matching funds, overtime, operational expenses, professional fees, conferences, travel, and potential grants and aid.

Budget and Finance

Joint Budget Committee (J)

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1126&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R