SB81 Summary

• Establishes maximum of 588 regular employees for the Arkansas Agriculture Department for fiscal year 2016-2017, with specific salary ranges for each position from $5,200 to $117,287

• Appropriates $17,586,819 to the Department of Agriculture Fund Account for personal services and operating expenses, including regular salaries ($10,474,006), extra help ($74,131), and maintenance and general operations ($2,878,252)

• Appropriates additional funds for specialized programs including Livestock and Poultry Commission ($3,928,275), Plant Board ($9,284,780), and State Forestry Commission ($13,422,920)

• Authorizes 171 temporary or part-time "Extra Help" employees to be hired as needed at rates not to exceed those in the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act

• Includes special language provisions allowing fund transfers between accounts with prior approval from the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee, effective July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017