AR SB36

Appropriates $148,485,553 for personal services and operating expenses of the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for fiscal year 2025-2026, including $58,451,995 for regular salaries and authorization for up to 1,179 regular employees and 347 extra help positions

Allocates $56,156,659 for aging and adult services operations, including $22,790,328 for nutrition programs, $10,000,000 for senior citizen centers, and $4,802,025 for nursing home care alternatives

Provides $47,553,171 for mental health grants, $49,666,991 for alcohol and drug abuse prevention/treatment from the Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Fund, and $5,000,000 each for crisis services and veterans mental health grant programs

Creates the "Fight Senior Hunger Community Grant Match Program" allowing DHS to award grants up to $20,000 to counties, cities, or nonprofits that develop meal programs for seniors and secure at least 50% matching funds from local donations

Prohibits closure of Arkansas Health Center and requires continued acceptance of clients needing skilled nursing services, with no fund transfers below March 1, 2003 levels without Legislative Council approval