Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB45

Introduced

1/10/23

Refer

1/11/23

Report Pass

3/30/23

Engrossed

4/4/23

Enrolled

4/6/23

Chaptered

4/11/23

Passed

4/11/23

Caption

An Act For The Department Of Corrections - Arkansas Sentencing Commission Appropriation For The 2023-2024 Fiscal Year.

Impact

If enacted, SB45 will secure financial resources to sustain the operations of the Arkansas Sentencing Commission. This could result in more efficient administration of justice and adherence to proposed sentencing reforms. The bill reflects an ongoing commitment by the Arkansas General Assembly to maintain and potentially enhance the state’s correctional services by supporting key institutions that guide sentencing decisions. The appropriation is planned to cover essential salaries, services, and operational necessities that are fundamental for the proper functioning of the commission.

Summary

Senate Bill 45 seeks to allocate funds for the Department of Corrections, specifically targeting the Arkansas Sentencing Commission for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The proposed appropriation total is $495,515, which includes salaries and operating expenses necessary for the commission's function. This funding is deemed crucial for maintaining the operations of the commission which oversees the implementation of sentencing guidelines and practices within the state's judicial system. The bill aims to ensure that the commission is adequately staffed and funded to meet its responsibilities effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB45 appears to be largely positive, as the bill received unanimous support during its third reading, indicated by 96 votes in favor and none against. This strong bipartisan approval suggests that lawmakers recognize the importance of adequately funding the corrections system to ensure its stability and effectiveness. However, some arguments could arise concerning budget constraints and alternative funding sources, as the continuous allocation of resources to corrections often experiences scrutiny by taxpayer advocacy groups.

Contention

While the bill has garnered broad support, potential points of contention may stem from how the allocated funds could impact other areas of state budgeting. Critics may argue that prioritizing appropriations for corrections over other pressing needs, such as education or infrastructure, could provoke debate among lawmakers. Nonetheless, this appropriative measure is marked as essential for immediate operational needs, particularly highlighting the urgency laid out in the bill regarding the necessity for these funds post-July 1, 2023.

Latest AR SB45 Activity

View All Events: AR 2023 Regular Session SB45

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB0390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.