An Act For The Department Of Finance And Administration - Disbursing Officer Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.
If enacted, the bill will create a formalized process for assisting poultry growers whose flocks have been depopulated by state measures. This program aims to alleviate the financial burden that such decisions impose on the agricultural sector, particularly benefiting poultry growers who have historically faced economic hardship during health crises affecting livestock. The establishment of this grant program reflects an acknowledgment of the vital role that poultry farming plays in Arkansas's economy.
Senate Bill 82 establishes a State Action Poultry Flock Depopulation Grant Program aimed at providing financial assistance to eligible poultry growers in Arkansas. An appropriation of $5,000,000 is set for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, to support this initiative. The bill requires the Department of Finance and Administration to manage and distribute the funds necessary for this program, which is critical in circumstances where poultry flocks may need to be depopulated due to state actions.
Notably, the bill outlines a procedure that allows for grants to be awarded to poultry growers even in instances where depopulation occurred prior to the act's implementation. This aspect of the bill may lead to discussions regarding the funding's reach and implications for past actions, raising questions about accountability and financial responsibility. Opponents may argue about the equity of granting financial assistance retrospectively.
The bill includes special language specifying that it will only be effective for the designated fiscal year, ensuring a temporary but significant financial support structure during a critical time for poultry producers. Furthermore, an emergency clause attached to the bill seeks to expedite its effectiveness, indicating the urgency for the implementation of the grant program and the necessity for prompt financial relief.