HB 1208 Summary

• Appropriates funds for the Department of Public Safety for fiscal year 2021-2022, including $96.5 million for Arkansas State Police operations and $13.6 million for Crime Lab operations

• Establishes maximum employee counts across multiple DPS divisions: 1,041 for Arkansas State Police, 146 for Crime Lab, 50 for Arkansas Crime Information Center, and 49 for Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training

• Authorizes $40 million for Public Safety Equipment Grant Program and appropriates funds for Crime Victims Reparation Program ($1.9 million), Federal programs ($3 million), and Highway Safety grants ($24.4 million)

• Allows Arkansas State Police to exceed maximum Medical Examiner salaries by up to 50% to recruit and retain licensed professionals, subject to Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee approval

• Permits "Shared Services" transfers of positions and funds between DPS divisions for administrative efficiencies in areas including human resources, procurement, and information services, with prior approval required from the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee