AR SB565

Appropriates $1,000,000 to the Economic Development Commission from the General Improvement Fund for grants to planning and development districts.

Exempts the appropriation from restrictions applicable to other programs and authorizes the Economic Development Commission to adopt new rules and regulations to implement the fund.

Allows funded agencies to accept and use federal funds, grants, donations, and unobligated cash income to supplement the state appropriation, but prohibits use of maintenance and general operations funds for these purposes.

Requires strict compliance with state purchasing laws, accounting procedures, revenue stabilization laws, and fiscal control regulations in disbursement of funds.

Effective July 1, 2011 with emergency clause declaring the appropriation essential to agency operations.