AR
Arkansas Senate Bill SB637

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB637

Introduced
4/9/25  
Refer
4/9/25  
Report Pass
4/14/25  
Engrossed
4/15/25  
Enrolled
4/16/25  
Chaptered
4/23/25  

Caption

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; And To Declare An Emergency.

Impact

The proposed amendments in SB637 are anticipated to significantly affect the distribution of financial resources across various state programs and services. By establishing defined maximum allocations for each fund, the bill aims to ensure a more predictable and stable funding environment. This could enhance the ability of educational institutions and community services to plan and execute their programs effectively, which is critical for addressing the needs of Arkansas residents in education and healthcare.

Summary

Senate Bill 637 seeks to amend the Revenue Stabilization Law in Arkansas. The bill establishes a framework for allocating general revenues for the fiscal year 2025-2026 and beyond, directing the Treasurer of State to make monthly allocations to various funds until a predetermined total amount is transferred. Specifically, the bill aims to allocate just over six billion dollars across different funds, including those for public education, human services, and community colleges, thus underpinning essential state services and initiatives.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding SB637 appear supportive overall, with a general consensus among legislators that robust funding for education and human services is vital for the state's progress. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the implications of such large-scale allocations, specifically around the responsiveness of fund distributions to changing needs in the community and the potential for budgetary constraints in the face of economic shifts.

Contention

One of the primary points of contention highlighted during discussions of SB637 relates to the balance between established funding formulas and the dynamic needs of Arkansas’ populace. Some legislators have expressed apprehensions that fixed maximum allocations could limit flexibility, particularly if unexpected economic downturns or shifts in demographic needs arise. Opponents of less rigid funding frameworks argue that this could hinder the state’s ability to adapt to the evolving needs of its citizens while trying to stabilize financial forecasts for essential services.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB569

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1833

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1097

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB80

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1430

To Amend The Division Of Workforce Services Law; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB508

To Amend The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Act; To Amend The Used Tire Programs; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR2

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR HR1011

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR SB294

To Create The Learns Act; To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code As They Relate To Early Childhood Through Grade Twelve Education In The State Of Arkansas; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR1

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law, To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.