Arkansas State Capitol News: October 10, 2024
Mullenix & Associates
In preparation for the 2025 Regular Session, the Arkansas Legislative Council and Joint Budget Committee have begun budget hearings for licensing boards, commissions, and state agencies for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Following the hearings, the Bureau of Legislative Research will draft appropriations bills for the Arkansas House and Senate to consider during the upcoming session, which begins at noon on Monday, January 13.
The hearings will conclude on Thursday, November 21, coinciding with the release of Governor Sarah Sanders’s proposed general revenue budget for FY 26. Governor Sanders has indicated that Arkansas Forward, an initiative to enhance the efficiency of state government services, will help shape her executive recommendations.
During the most recent Fiscal Session, the General Assembly authorized a general revenue budget of $6.31 billion for FY 25, an increase of $109.3 million. According to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, the individual and corporate income tax cuts enacted in June are estimated to reduce state general revenues by $322.3 in FY 26.
The upcoming budget hearings include:
- October 10: Health; Labor and Licensing
- October 22: Parks, Heritage, and Tourism; Finance and Administration
- October 23: Veteran Affairs; Game and Fish Commission
- October 24: Military; Transportation
- October 29: Constitutional Officers
- October 30: Commerce, Inspector General
- October 31: Corrections
- November 6: Institutions of Higher Education; Agriculture
- November 7: Energy and Environment; Transformation and Shared Services