Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1135

Introduced
1/13/23  
Refer
1/17/23  
Report Pass
3/30/23  
Engrossed
4/4/23  
Enrolled
4/5/23  
Chaptered
4/10/23  

Caption

An Act For The Office Of Attorney General Appropriation For The 2023-2024 Fiscal Year.

Impact

The bill is expected to streamline the operations of the Office of Attorney General by providing necessary funding for various programs. It details the salary allocations for positions within the Office, which encompasses a wide range of roles necessary for the execution of legal responsibilities. Moreover, this funding is essential for ongoing initiatives such as the Medicaid Fraud Division, which plays a crucial role in protecting state resources by investigating instances of fraud in the healthcare system.

Summary

House Bill 1135 is an appropriation bill designed to allocate funding for the Office of Attorney General for the fiscal year 2023-2024. It specifically appropriates significant amounts for personal services and operating expenses associated with various divisions within the office, including the Medicaid Fraud Division and efforts to combat Internet crimes against children. The overall budget proposed under the bill is aimed at ensuring that the office can maintain its essential functions during the fiscal year, which includes managing cases of fraud and protecting vulnerable populations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1135 appears to be largely supportive, as it facilitates the essential functions of the Attorney General's office without imposing additional regulatory burdens. The bill had a unanimous vote in the legislative assembly, indicating a broad consensus on the necessity of appropriating funds to enable the continuation of important state services. This support reflects a recognition of the importance of the Attorney General's work in safeguarding public interest and resources.

Contention

While HB1135 did not evoke significant opposition during discussions, there are underlying concerns regarding how budget allocations reflect priorities in state governance. Some advocates for specific causes may raise issues about the sufficiency of funding for particular programs. Moreover, the bill's provisions to allow fund transfers within the appropriated budget could also lead to scrutiny about transparency and accountability in how funds are subsequently allocated among various divisions within the office.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

AR HB1037

An Act For The Office Of Attorney General Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1032

An Act For The Office Of Attorney General Appropriation For The 2022-2023 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1146

An Act For The Office Of Attorney General Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.

LA HB163

Creates the Medicaid Recipient Fraud Unit within the office of the attorney general (RE INCREASE GF EX See Note)

KS HB2217

Expanding the scope of the inspector general to audit and investigate all state cash, food or health assistance programs and granting the inspector general the power to subpoena, administer oaths and execute search warrants thereto.

NJ S1962

Provides certain protections to residents of long-term care facilities.

NJ A1888

Provides certain protections to residents of long-term care facilities.

MS HB1757

Appropriation; Attorney General.