AR SB639

Appropriates $500,000 from the General Improvement Fund to the Department of Rural Services for grants to fire departments, counties, municipalities, and other eligible entities for fire protection, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and emergency management programs.

Allows the Department of Rural Services to adopt new rules and regulations to carry out the intent of the appropriations without being restricted by requirements applicable to other programs currently administered.

Permits agencies to supplement State Treasury funds with grants, donations, Federal funds, and unobligated cash income for project financing, provided Maintenance and General Operations funds are not used for these appropriated purposes.

Requires strict compliance with State Purchasing Law, General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, Revenue Stabilization Law, and other fiscal control laws unless specifically provided otherwise by law.

Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2011, stating that delayed implementation could cause irreparable harm to essential governmental programs.