Arkansas lawmakers adjourned this year’s session without approving a budget for the Game and Fish Commission, leaving the state’s hunting and fishing programs in limbo if a special session is not called by July. The House was unable to pass the agency’s appropriation bill, falling short of the required number of votes needed for approval. This has raised concerns about the agency’s ability to operate when the fiscal year begins on July 1, as it primarily relies on funding from a 1/8-cent sales tax approved by voters in 1996.
The uncertainty surrounding the Game and Fish Commission’s budget approval has created a tense situation for the 636 employees who work for the agency. Lawmakers expressed concerns about the potential consequences of not passing the legislation, urging their colleagues to prioritize the well-being of the employees and the programs they oversee. This marks the first time in over 20 years that lawmakers have adjourned without approving an agency’s budget, highlighting the significance of this issue for the state.
Legislative leaders have expressed confidence that the Game and Fish Commission will not shut down in July despite the budget standoff. They anticipate that the budget will be approved before the deadline, but this can only happen if Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders calls for a special session. The standstill over the agency’s budget is primarily due to objections regarding the proposed increase in the director’s salary. While the agency defended the raise as necessary to remain competitive, opposition lawmakers were not convinced and criticized the late timing of the bill’s consideration.
In response to the opposition to the salary increase for the director, the Senate passed an amended version of the legislation capping the maximum salary at a lower amount than originally proposed. This move was seen as largely symbolic since the House had already adjourned, but it demonstrated the Senate’s efforts to address the concerns raised by lawmakers. The House also elected a new speaker to succeed the current speaker next year, signaling potential changes in leadership within the legislative body.
As the deadline for approving the Game and Fish Commission budget looms, the state is in a state of uncertainty regarding the future of its hunting and fishing programs. The potential impact of not passing the budget on time raises concerns about the agency’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities and serve the residents of Arkansas. The decision to adjourn without finalizing the budget reflects the challenges and tensions that can arise during legislative sessions, underscoring the importance of finding a resolution to ensure the continuity of essential state programs.
