AR SB794

Department of Health shall develop, monitor, and oversee tobacco prevention and cessation programs with authority to award grants and allocate appropriated funds.

Within 30 days of receiving Prevention and Cessation Program Account funds, 15% must be deposited into a special account for tobacco prevention and cessation in minority communities, directed by the Department of Health Director in consultation with University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Chancellor, Arkansas Medical/Dental/Pharmaceutical Association President, and League of United Latin American Citizens.

Within 30 days of receiving Prevention and Cessation Program Account funds, the Chief Fiscal Officer shall transfer 15% of those moneys to a newly created Drug Court Fund to assist drug court programs under the Arkansas Drug Court Act.

Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program components approved by State Board of Health include community prevention programs, school education programs (K-12), youth tobacco control law enforcement, state-wide youth coalition programs, cessation programs, disease prevention programs, public awareness campaigns, and monitoring/evaluation grants.

Creates Drug Court Fund on the books of the Treasurer of State, Auditor of State, and Chief Fiscal Officer to receive revenues from tobacco settlement proceeds and provide assistance to drug court programs.