AR SB540

Appropriates $5,000,000 from the General Improvement Fund to the Department of Community Correction for grants to nonprofit organizations providing inmate education, training, transitional housing, and community reentry programs.

Allows the department to adopt new rules and regulations to implement the appropriation without restrictions from requirements applicable to other programs currently administered.

Permits the receiving institution to accept and use federal grants, donations, and unobligated cash income to supplement state funds, but prohibits using existing Maintenance and General Operations funds for these purposes.

Requires strict compliance with state purchasing law, accounting procedures, revenue stabilization law, and fiscal control regulations in disbursing funds unless specifically exempted by law.

Declares an emergency effective date of July 1, 2011, citing the constitutional one-year appropriation limit and the need for immediate implementation of these correctional programs.