LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Lawmakers adjourned the 2024 fiscal session without an approved budget for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). The agency's programs and employees could be at risk of losing funding if not approved by July 1.
The House voted 62-21 in favor of the agency's appropriation, which gives it the authority to spend more than $175 million in state and federal funds, falling short of the 75 votes needed to pass the legislation. The Senate approved the bill earlier this month.
"There were some members who had some concerns related to that or other issues. And so, we ended up adjourning that session," House Speaker Matthew Shepherd said.
"My understanding is that there was a small group of House Republicans that were opposed to an increase in appropriation for the director's salary from about $150,000 to $190,000," Sen. Greg Leding, D-Fayetteville, explained. "And now we're going to have to go back and do a special session at a cost of at least $100,000 to taxpayers over this $40,000 disagreement."
Tourism is one of the largest industries in the state without a budget for game and fish could impact the industry.
"The agency won't have the power to issue hunting licenses or fishing licenses or maintain the property that it cares for. So this is a really big deal," Leding said. "There are 646 employees working for the Game and Fish Commission who, if we don't fix this before July one, their pay could be at risk."
Shepherd confirmed Friday that they have plans for a special session in June. He believes it won't impact lawmakers too much.
"We're looking at holding it during legislative council week, which is already a time when many of our members are already there. And so that's going to help to mitigate some of the expense involved," Shepherd said. "We're going to be able to allow game and fish to have appropriation authority, and they can continue to function. That's my goal, and I'm confident we're gonna be able to get that done."
"We're gonna go to all this trouble and expense to do something that we should have taken care of when we were in Little Rock to begin with," Leding said.
Shepherd mentioned other items up for possible discussion could be cutting taxes for Arkansans.
"The possibility of additional tax cuts is gonna be something that's very good for Arkansans. And it's going to continue to allow them to keep more of what they have what they earn," Shepherd said.
Both believe they'll be able to approve a budget before July 1.
"We stepped away, we've taken some time, and working to come back with a revised proposal. And again, I feel like we're going to get it done," Shepherd said.
"We should be able to address this appropriation in a matter of no time and come to a resolution and keep the Game and Fish Commission funded," Leding added.
Ultimately, it's up to Governor Sanders to decide to call a special session. When asked about the possibility on Friday, Alexa Henning, Communications Director for the Governor's Office, said "I’m not going to get ahead of any announcements, but all options are on the table."
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