SB34 - Arkansas Agriculture Department Appropriation (2018-2019)

• Appropriates funds for the Arkansas Agriculture Department for fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, including operations, livestock and poultry programs, plant board activities, and forestry services

• Establishes maximum of 568 regular employees across multiple departments (agriculture operations, livestock/poultry, plant board, forestry) with designated salary grades ranging from SE02 (Secretary) to GS03 (Administrative Specialist II)

• Appropriates total of $17,249,577 for general operations; $7,894,615 for plant board administration/pest control; $10,904,889 for forestry operations; plus additional funding for specialized programs including diagnostic laboratory testing ($2,220,608), egg grading ($3,559,925), and livestock indemnities ($55,000)

• Authorizes up to 171 temporary or part-time "Extra Help" employees at rates not exceeding those in the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act

• Includes special provisions allowing fund transfers between livestock and poultry accounts and from pest eradication programs with prior approval from Chief Fiscal Officer and Legislative Council/Joint Budget Committee; effective July 1, 2018