Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB182

Introduced

2/3/25

Refer

2/3/25

Report Pass

2/4/25

Engrossed

2/5/25

Refer

2/5/25

Report Pass

2/6/25

Enrolled

2/10/25

Chaptered

2/11/25

Passed

2/11/25

Caption

To Require A Local Government To Continue To Operate Under The Annual Appropriation Ordinance For The Previous Year Until A New Appropriation Ordinance Is Adopted; And To Declare An Emergency.

Impact

The proposed changes will significantly affect the operations of local governments by introducing a mechanism for budget continuity. This means that in the event of a delay in budget approval, local entities will not face immediate financial distress, allowing them to continue essential services such as police, fire, and other municipal functions. It effectively safeguards the financial well-being of municipal employees and the ongoing functions of local governance, mitigating risks that could arise from budgetary lapses.

Summary

Senate Bill 182 aims to amend the existing laws governing annual appropriations for local governments in Arkansas. The bill mandates that if a local governing body fails to adopt a new annual appropriation ordinance by January 1, the previous year's ordinance will automatically continue in effect. This provision ensures that municipalities can maintain essential services and pay their employees without interruption, even in the absence of a newly adopted budget. The emergency nature of the legislation reflects an urgent need to protect the public peace and safety by securing consistent funding for local operations.

Contention

While the bill is designed to provide a safety net for local governments and their operations, it could invite scrutiny regarding local autonomy. Critics may argue that such a law diminishes the authority of local bodies to determine their financial priorities and limits their ability to respond to changing circumstances that necessitate budget alterations. Additionally, the stipulation regarding the exclusion of specific compensations, such as the salaries of justices of the peace and county judges, could also raise concerns about equity and fairness in pay during budgetary transitions.

Latest SB182 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.