AR SB403

Amends Arkansas Code § 19-5-1125 to restructure the Arkansas Capitol Grounds Monument and Memorial Preservation Fund, which collects fees from sponsors and accepts private donations for maintaining monuments and memorials on State Capitol grounds.

Establishes a 10% fee on construction costs for monuments and 10% fee on memorial area construction costs, with the Secretary of State authorized to allow construction to begin if a dedicated funding source and substantial funds are demonstrated.

Transfers fund administration from the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission to the Secretary of State, while allowing the commission to determine allocation amounts for maintenance, preservation, and restoration of monuments and memorials.

Modifies Arkansas Code § 19-6-499(c)(1) to allow the Fallen Firefighters' Memorial Fund moneys to be used to satisfy fee requirements for placement, improvements, or replacement of the monument or memorial area under the new framework.

Permits the Secretary of State and commission to receive gifts, grants, and donations from private or public sources, with all accrued interest remaining in the fund for maintenance and preservation purposes.