The Legislature began hearings this week of the Joint Budget Committee as part of the first Fiscal Session that will focus on the state agency budget dubbed the “Big Six.” These agencies include: the Department of Education Public School Fund, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Department of Correction, Department of Community Correction, and all higher education institutions. These budget hearings will end in January.

The Fiscal Session will officially begin on Feb. 8.  By law, this session is designed to be brief and only cover bills related to appropriations. The session is scheduled to last 30 days (until March 9) with the option for a 15 extension with a two-thirds vote for another 15 days, ending no later than March 24. In order for a non-appropriation bill to be addressed during the Fiscal Session, it must be filled no later than January 22 and requires a two-thirds vote by the Legislature to be considered for approval.

AACF will be watching the Fiscal Session closely and monitoring the bills that are filed and how they will impact Arkansas children and their families. Expect to see updates from AACF on the ARVoices Blog or in the form of e-mail alerts.