AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - DISBURSING OFFICER SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION.
Summary
HB1089 is a supplemental appropriation bill for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Disbursing Officer. It provides $1.5 million in new appropriation for grants to Pregnancy Help Organizations for fiscal year 2025-2026, in addition to funds already appropriated in Act 1006 of 2025. The bill also directs the Chief Fiscal Officer to transfer $3.5 million from the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund into a dedicated Pregnancy Help Organization Grant Sub-Fund within the Miscellaneous Agencies Fund Account.
The measure is primarily a budget and spending bill rather than a policy bill. It authorizes the use of state funds for grants to pregnancy help organizations, while requiring that disbursements comply with existing fiscal control and procurement laws. It includes an emergency clause, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage and approval so the funds can be made available without delay.
Impact
HB1089 changes state fiscal law by creating a supplemental appropriation and a specific fund transfer for pregnancy help organization grants. It affects the Department of Finance and Administration - Disbursing Officer, the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund, and the Miscellaneous Agencies Fund Account, but does not amend substantive program law outside the appropriation structure. The practical effect is to increase state support for pregnancy help organizations through a dedicated grant funding stream.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have had generally favorable legislative support, as reflected in its passage and final approval as Act 171. The recorded floor votes were 81-12 in the House and 28-6 in the Senate, suggesting broad but not unanimous backing. No committee transcript was provided, so the available record shows support in the voting history rather than detailed debate.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the use of state general revenue for grants to pregnancy help organizations, which can be politically sensitive because these organizations are often associated with anti-abortion advocacy and alternatives to abortion services. The split votes indicate some opposition, though the record provided does not identify specific arguments or speakers. Any disagreement would most likely center on whether the appropriation is an appropriate use of public funds and whether the grant recipients should be supported through state appropriations.
An Act For A Grant For An Arkansas Teaching Veterinarian Hospital At The Little Rock Zoo For The Department Of Finance And Administration - Disbursing Officer Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.