AR HB1109

Establishes maximum of 4 regular employees for the State Board of Collection Agencies for fiscal year 2016-2017, including an Executive Director (Grade N902), Field Investigator (Grade C116), Business Operations Specialist (Grade C116), and Administrative Specialist III (Grade C112).

Authorizes up to 1 part-time or temporary employee ("Extra Help") at rates not to exceed those in the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act or this act.

Appropriates $1,723,790 in cash funds for the State Board of Collection Agencies for fiscal year 2016-2017, including $209,541 for regular salaries, $5,000 for extra help, $67,407 for personal services matching, $117,200 for maintenance and general operations, and $1,300,000 for DHS/UAMS/ASU/UCA/SAU system/HSU grants.

Requires the agency to request legal services from the Attorney General before hiring private attorneys, with exceptions only if the Attorney General certifies insufficient personnel and consents in writing to private legal counsel employment.

Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2016, to ensure immediate operation of the agency and compliance with Arkansas constitutional requirements for one-year appropriations, approved May 4, 2016.