Arkansas Senate Bill SB349

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25
• Failed: 5/5/25

Caption

An Act For The Auditor Of State - Victim Assistance Coordinators Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.

Impact

This bill significantly impacts the funding and structure of victim assistance programs in Arkansas. By converting positions from locally funded to state-funded, SB349 ensures standardization of salaries and employment benefits according to state guidelines. This legislative change aims to improve the quality and consistency of victim services provided across judicial districts, ensuring that systems with previously adequate resources continue to function effectively without disruption. The Prosecution Coordination Commission is tasked with overseeing the equitable distribution of these resources.

Summary

Senate Bill 349 is an act aimed at appropriating funding for victim assistance coordinators in Arkansas for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It establishes a budget that allocates a total of $5,333,874 which includes regular salaries and personal services matching for these positions. The bill enables the transition of victim assistance coordinators from local funding structures to state employment, thereby centralizing financial support. This shift is intended to enhance the availability of victim services across the state, addressing previous inadequacies in resources for such services.

Contention

Notably, the bill has raised discussions about the adequacy of support for victim services in regions that may not have previously experienced adequate funding. Critics may express concern that while ensuring state funding for victim assistance coordinators is vital, the transition must be sensitive to existing local systems that are functioning well. The bill also leaves some responsibilities, such as operational costs for facilities and supplies, with the counties, which may prompt debate regarding resource allocation and dependency on local funds despite the shift to state funding.