During the third week of the 2024 Fiscal Session, members received the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA) for the 2025 Fiscal Year.
The RSA, which categorizes and prioritizes state spending, includes a 1.76% increase in spending, with the largest increases allocated to Educational Freedom Accounts, the Public School Fund, and Arkansas State Police. Specifically, the Education Freedom Accounts would receive an additional $65.7 million, the public school fund would see a $38.2 million increase, and funding for Arkansas State Police would rise by $3.9 million.
This week, the House adopted an amendment to HB1012 which adds 50 corporal positions for Arkansas State Police and adds 2 positions at the State Crime Lab.
Additionally, the Joint Budget Committee advanced SB77. This bill proposes a temporary pay plan for state employees, including salary increases of up to 3%, setting a minimum salary of $32,405 per year, raising the maximum salary range for pay grades by 10%, and offering special compensation under specific circumstances.
