AN ACT FOR THE AUDITOR OF STATE - OPERATIONS AND UNCLAIMED PROPERTY PROGRAM APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.
SB51 is an annual appropriation bill for the Arkansas Auditor of State for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It funds two main areas: the Auditor of State’s general operations and the Unclaimed Property Program. The bill sets maximum numbers of employees and salary caps for each program, authorizes extra-help positions, and appropriates money for salaries, benefits, operating expenses, travel, professional fees, capital outlay, and data matching. It also includes appropriations for the payment of unclaimed property claims and abandoned mineral proceeds, with the largest cash appropriation dedicated to paying unclaimed property claims.
The bill contains standard fiscal controls and special language. It allows transfers among line items within the Operations and Unclaimed Property Program appropriations with required approvals, and it requires the Internal Auditor to maintain specified professional credentials. The act includes an emergency clause so it takes effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring the Auditor of State can continue operating without interruption at the start of the fiscal year.
SB51 does not create new substantive law; it is an appropriations measure that authorizes spending from the State Central Services Fund and cash funds for the Auditor of State’s operations and unclaimed property functions. It sets agency staffing limits, salary maximums, and spending authority totaling millions of dollars, including $50,000,000 for unclaimed property claims and $2,500,000 for abandoned mineral proceeds. It also temporarily governs internal budget transfers and professional qualification requirements for one position during the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
The available record suggests the bill was routine and noncontroversial. There are no committee transcripts or recorded votes indicating opposition, amendment debate, or divided sentiment. The bill advanced through the budget process and was enacted as Act 154, which is consistent with a standard annual agency appropriation receiving broad support.
No notable points of contention are reflected in the provided materials. The bill’s provisions are typical of a budget act, and the only potentially noteworthy policy choices are the large cash appropriations for unclaimed property and mineral proceeds, along with the authority to transfer funds among line items. However, there is no evidence in the record of disagreement over those items or over the staffing and salary structure.