SB 73 Summary

• Appropriates $8,788,258 for Arkansas School for the Blind state operations, including $4,418,358 in regular salaries for 98 maximum employees and $1,200,000 for special maintenance.

• Appropriates $12,904,334 for Arkansas School for the Deaf state operations, including $6,967,631 in regular salaries for 150 maximum employees and $1,400,000 for special maintenance.

• Authorizes 17 temporary/part-time employees (Extra Help) for the School for the Blind and 55 for the School for the Deaf during fiscal year 2023-2024.

• Provides additional appropriations for federal operations, cash operations, and braille/large print textbook services for both schools.

• Increases special allowance compensation cap from $3,000 to $3,500 per school term for employees performing additional duties such as teaching adult education, coaching sports, or providing interpretive services.