HB1196 Summary

• Appropriates funds for the Department of Arkansas Heritage for fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, totaling approximately $50.9 million across multiple program areas and fund sources.

• Establishes maximum of 152 regular employees and authorizes up to 84 temporary or part-time employees for the department's various divisions including museums, historic preservation, and natural heritage commission.

• Provides major appropriations for Conservation Tax-Amendment 75 ($8.2 million), Natural Heritage Commission federal programs ($2.1 million), Natural and Cultural Resources Council grants ($33 million), and state-owned lands preservation ($30 million).

• Authorizes the director to purchase up to $40,000 annually in promotional and educational merchandise and allows fund transfers up to $25,000 yearly from certain sources to the Publication Development and Resale Revolving Fund.

• Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2013, requiring immediate implementation for proper administration of essential governmental heritage and cultural resource programs.