Arkansas Senate Bill SB229

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/23
• Refer: 2/8/23
• Report Pass: 2/21/23
• Engrossed: 2/23/23
• Enrolled: 3/1/23
• Chaptered: 3/14/23
• Passed: 3/14/23

Caption

An Act For The Department Of Transformation And Shared Services - Building Authority Division Reappropriation.

Impact

The enactment of SB229 is projected to have significant implications for the operation of state agencies as it seeks to ensure that funding remains available and compliant with legal requirements for various capital projects. By allowing for the reappropriation of previously designated funds, the bill aims to enhance the ability of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services to address critical needs in infrastructure and facilities, thereby supporting the overall mission of the agency to improve state services and public welfare.

Summary

SB229 is an act aimed at reappropriating the balances of capital improvement appropriations for the Department of Transformation and Shared Services, specifically focusing on projects that involve building authority divisions. The bill details the allocation of funds for various maintenance, renovation, construction, and repair efforts related to state-owned facilities and lands, with a total appropriation amount not exceeding $139,614,587. This reallocation is designed to ensure that the department can effectively manage and maintain state properties and services under its jurisdiction.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB229 appears to be supportive among legislators, as shown by the unanimous voting outcome with 97 yeas and 0 nays during its third reading. This suggests a broad consensus on the importance of ensuring that state agencies have access to the necessary resources to maintain and improve their operational capabilities. While no significant opposition seems to have emerged, the emphasis on emergency appropriations reflects a sense of urgency in addressing state needs related to infrastructure and services.

Contention

There are minimal points of contention reported with SB229, mainly due to its technical nature focusing on reappropriating existing funds rather than introducing new expenditures or regulatory changes. However, the emergency clause indicates a recognition by the General Assembly of the critical and immediate nature of the appropriations, suggesting that any delays could harm governmental operations. This highlights the tension between fiscal responsibility and the necessity of timely funding for essential state functions.