Arkansas2026Active

HB1038

Funding for Child Support Enforcement in Arkansas (2026-2027)

Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 3:15 AM

In one sentence

This law provides money to the Department of Finance and Administration's Child Support Enforcement division to pay staff salaries and cover operating costs during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

Sets a maximum limit of 775 regular full-time employees for the Child Support Enforcement division.
Allows up to 15 temporary or part-time workers, called 'Extra Help,' when needed.
Provides $34.9 million in regular salaries and over $28 million for other operating costs like travel and professional fees.
Allocates nearly $14 million specifically for data processing and equipment expenses.
Requires the agency to follow state laws regarding spending, hiring, and purchasing.

The law sets maximum numbers for employees but does not state how many positions will actually be filled.
It is unclear exactly which specific projects will use the money allocated for professional fees or capital outlay.
If a temporary worker stays longer than seven months, a report must be filed with the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee, but the law does not specify what happens after that report.

Plain language

Appropriation: Money officially set aside by the government to pay for specific programs or services.
Fiscal Year: A 12-month period used for budgeting, which in this case runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
Extra Help: Temporary or part-time workers hired when the agency needs more staff than its regular limit allows.

Official record

Source attached

AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR.