AR HB1530

Appropriates $60,000 to the Department of Rural Services from the General Improvement Fund for grants to counties, municipalities, or other eligible entities for operating, construction, improvements, equipment, renovation, and maintenance expenses for African American cemeteries.

Authorizes the Department to adopt new rules and regulations to implement the appropriation, exempting it from requirements applicable to other currently administered programs.

Permits recipients to supplement state funds with federal grants, donations, and unobligated cash income, but prohibits using existing agency maintenance and operations funds for these purposes.

Requires strict compliance with state purchasing law, accounting procedures, revenue stabilization law, and fiscal control regulations in disbursing funds.

Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2013, citing constitutional limitations on appropriations and the essential need for immediate agency operations.