SB 97 Summary

• Establishes 616 maximum regular employees for the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission for fiscal year 2016-2017, with positions ranging from the AGFC Director at $132,729 annually to administrative support roles

• Appropriates $110,358,732 from the Game Protection Fund for personal services and operating expenses, including $33,006,586 for regular salaries, $1,187,500 for extra help, and $8,300,000 for construction projects

• Authorizes up to 185 part-time or temporary employees ("Extra Help") with compensation not exceeding 85% of maximum comparable position salaries and limited to 1,800 hours per fiscal year

• Appropriates additional funds for specialized programs: $3,764,685 from gas lease revenues, $100,000 for conservation partners grants, $18,000,000 for Black River Wildlife Management Area restoration, and $250,000 for feral hog eradication efforts

• Permits the commission to establish check-off programs to fund the Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry program and authorizes transfer of appropriations between line items with Chief Fiscal Officer and legislative approval