AR HB1096

Appropriates $145,569,113 from the Medicaid Expansion Program Account for Medicaid Tobacco Settlement Program grants for fiscal year 2025-2026, including $140,426,470 for hospital and medical services and $5,142,643 for prescription drugs

Authorizes 19 total positions across two DHS divisions: 1 Program Manager in Medical Services and 18 employees in Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services (including 1 registered nurse, 1 program manager, 2 supervisors, and 14 eligibility specialists)

Appropriates $87,250 for Medical Services division operations and $1,301,592 for Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services division operations, covering salaries, benefits, and operating expenses

Prohibits state funds from replacing Tobacco Settlement funds if they expire, and requires disclosure of this funding contingency to all employees paid from settlement proceeds

Takes effect July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, with an emergency clause declaring immediate implementation necessary for essential governmental programs