HB 1011 Summary

• Reappropriates unexpended capital improvement appropriation balances for the Department of Education and its divisions, effective July 1, 2012, totaling approximately $14.6 million across multiple programs and facilities.

• Allocates funds for school recognition awards ($28,383), community organization grants ($500,000), after-school literacy and nutrition services ($500,000), Teacher Retirement System loan payments ($2,900,312), and National Math and Science Initiative grants ($3,046,092).

• Provides funding for renovation and repairs to the Department of Education Capitol Complex facilities ($3,000,000) and School Bus Safety Equipment Grant Pilot Program ($35,934).

• Appropriates funds for the Arkansas School for the Blind and Arkansas School for the Deaf for facility maintenance, renovation, electrical system replacement, and equipment upgrades using both federal funds and general improvement funds.

• Includes reappropriations for Educational Television Division projects, including a Northwest Communications Center, AETN satellite broadcasting site, and a World War II veterans documentation project, as well as funding for the Arkansas State Library's Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture Project ($120,000).