Arkansas Senate Bill SB27

Arkansas 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/24
• Refer: 4/10/24
• Report Pass: 4/16/24
• Engrossed: 4/17/24
• Enrolled: 4/18/24
• Chaptered: 4/23/24
• Passed: 4/23/24

Caption

An Act For The Arkansas Ethics Commission Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

Impact

If passed, SB27 will provide essential funding for the Arkansas Ethics Commission, ensuring that it can carry out its responsibilities related to public ethics and governance. The bill emphasizes the significance of adequate funding for the operations of this commission, which plays a crucial role in maintaining integrity and transparency in government activities. The appropriation is designed to enable the commission to monitor and enforce compliance with ethical standards among public officials.

Summary

Senate Bill 27 is an act aimed at making appropriations for personal services and operating expenses for the Arkansas Ethics Commission for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The bill outlines a maximum number of regular employees for the commission, as well as specifying salaries and operational costs necessary for the agency to function effectively. The total amount appropriated for the commission in this bill is approximately $1,090,774, covering salaries, operational expenses, and personal services matching.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB27 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among legislators who recognize the importance of the Ethics Commission in safeguarding ethical conduct within state government. As this bill does not carry the level of controversy often associated with broader legislative issues, its passage seems likely, reflecting a consensus on the necessity of funding for public oversight mechanisms.

Contention

While there does not seem to be significant contention surrounding the bill, concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of funding versus the operational needs of the Ethics Commission. Ensuring that the commission is sufficiently funded to fulfill its duties while maintaining public accountability will be a point of discussion as lawmakers review the bill and its implications for ethical governance in Arkansas.