Ark. Code Ann. § 19-4-203: Authority of General Assembly

The General Assembly and the Joint Budget Committee shall:

(1) Consider the current programs and financial plan included in the budget requests and the proposed resources for financing recommended by the Governor or Governor-elect including proposed goals and policies, recommended budgets, revenue proposals, and long-range programs;

(2) Adopt or recommend programs and alternatives to the financial plan recommended by the Governor or Governor-elect as it deems appropriate;

(3) Adopt or recommend legislation to authorize implementation of a comprehensive program and financial plan;

(4) Provide for a postaudit of financial transactions, program performance, and execution of legislative policy decisions;

(5) Provide for hearings, if required, with the administrative head or any other persons having knowledge thereof of any state agency submitting a budget request, in order to make determinations and formulate recommendations;

(6) If found necessary, visit and inspect any agency; and

(7) Propose the form of appropriation bills and write or direct the writing thereof.