SB4 Summary

• Appropriates $20,486,891 to the Bureau of Legislative Research and Legislative Council for fiscal year 2024-2025, payable from the State Central Services Fund, covering personal services, operating expenses, and capital improvements.

• Authorizes a maximum of 134 regular employees and 31 temporary or part-time employees for the Bureau of Legislative Research across various classifications ranging from Director (Grade SE05) to Support Specialist (Grade GS04).

• Appropriates $271,060 for Ad Interim Committee study expenses, $1,696,396 for member per diem and travel expenses, and $65,806 for Energy Council member expenses for fiscal year 2024-2025.

• Reappropriates up to $2,000,000 from remaining balances in Sections 3 and 7 of Act 120 of 2023 for the same purposes in fiscal year 2024-2025.

• Amends Arkansas Code § 10-3-303(j) to allow the Bureau of Legislative Research Director discretion to adjust employee salaries for labor market, merit, and retention purposes, and permits salary exceeding maximum levels by up to 20% for up to one-third of authorized positions with approval from the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.