AR HB1577

Appropriates $21,000 to the Department of Education from the General Improvement Fund for grants to youth mentoring programs designed to improve academic achievement.

Allows the Department to adopt new rules and regulations to implement the program without being restricted by requirements applicable to other existing programs.

Permits recipient institutions and agencies to supplement state funds with grants, donations, federal funds, and unobligated cash income to finance full project costs.

Requires compliance with state purchasing, accounting, budgetary procedures, and fiscal control laws unless specifically exempted by law.

Becomes effective July 1, 2013, with an emergency clause declaring the effective date essential to agency operations.