TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO AMEND THE REVENUE STABILIZATION LAW, TO CREATE FUNDS, AND TO MAKE TRANSFERS TO AND FROM FUNDS AND FUND ACCOUNTS.
Summary
SR 5 is a Senate resolution authorizing the introduction of a nonappropriation bill that would amend Arkansas’s Revenue Stabilization Law, create funds, and authorize transfers to and from funds and fund accounts. The resolution itself does not make the substantive fiscal changes; instead, it gives permission for Representative Jean to file the underlying bill in the 2026 fiscal session.
The accompanying draft bill described in the resolution would update the state’s fiscal management framework under Arkansas Code § 19-20-101 et seq., with the stated purpose of creating funds and moving money between funds and fund accounts. It also includes an emergency clause so that any enacted changes would take effect on July 1, 2026, at the start of the fiscal year, to avoid disruption in state operations and essential services.
Impact
If enacted as the underlying bill contemplated by SR 5, the measure would affect Arkansas’s Revenue Stabilization Law and the structure of state funds and fund accounts, which are central to budgeting and cash-flow management. It would likely alter how state revenues are allocated and transferred at the beginning of the fiscal year, with potential effects on agency funding, reserve management, and the timing of appropriations-related fiscal actions. The resolution itself has no direct legal effect beyond authorizing introduction of the bill.
Sentiment
The available record suggests a routine, procedural, and fiscally administrative measure rather than a controversial policy proposal. The inclusion of an emergency clause and the stated need to avoid a lapse in critical and essential services indicate support for timely implementation and continuity of government operations. No committee debate or recorded votes are provided, and the bill ultimately died at sine die adjournment, so there is no evidence of strong public or legislative opposition in the available materials.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the scope and timing of changes to the state’s fiscal laws, especially any transfers between funds and fund accounts that could affect budget priorities or agency resources. Because the resolution authorizes a nonappropriation bill rather than setting the fiscal changes itself, any substantive disagreement would likely arise when the underlying bill is introduced and considered. The emergency effective-date provision could also be a point of concern for members who prefer more deliberative implementation or who question whether immediate fiscal changes are necessary.