AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION REAPPROPRIATION.
SB64 is a fiscal-session reappropriation bill for the Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. It carries forward unspent balances from prior appropriations so they remain available beginning July 1, 2026 for two specified purposes: computer science initiatives and capital/maintenance work for four Department of Education buildings in the Capitol Complex. The bill does not create a new program or change substantive education policy; instead, it extends the life of existing appropriated funds for continued use on the same projects.
The bill reappropriates up to $564,871 from the Development and Enhancement Fund for computer science initiatives and up to $5,000,000 from the Educational Buildings Maintenance Fund for building and grounds maintenance, equipment contracts, insurance, janitorial services, major maintenance, renovation, improvements, repairs, and operations. It also includes standard fiscal controls limiting spending to available treasury funds, allowing supplementation with grants, donations, federal funds, or unobligated cash, and requiring compliance with state purchasing, accounting, budgetary, and revenue stabilization laws. An emergency clause makes the act effective July 1, 2026.
SB64 affects state budget authority rather than substantive education statutes. It preserves and extends previously approved appropriations for the Department of Education - Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, ensuring funds remain available for computer science-related initiatives and upkeep of state-owned education buildings in the Capitol Complex. The bill primarily impacts the department, the state treasury, and any contractors or vendors performing maintenance or related services under these appropriations.
The available record suggests the bill was routine and noncontroversial. It was enacted as Act 86, and there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes indicating debate, opposition, or amendments. The absence of recorded contention is consistent with a standard reappropriation measure that simply carries forward existing funding authority.
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Because there are no committee transcripts or vote details, it is not possible to identify any opposing arguments or disputed provisions. If any concerns existed, they would most likely have centered on the size and use of the reappropriated funds, especially the $5 million allocation for Capitol Complex building maintenance, but the record provided does not show active disagreement.