AR HB1601

Appropriates $30,000,000 from the General Improvement Fund to the Department of Rural Services for grants to counties, municipalities, and eligible entities for operating, construction, improvements, equipment, renovation, and maintenance expenses for public buildings, community centers, memorials, parks, amphitheaters, recreation centers, and cemeteries.

Appropriates $30,000,000 for grants to fire departments, counties, municipalities, and eligible entities for fire protection and associated operating, construction, improvements, equipment, renovation, and maintenance expenses for public buildings, community centers, memorials, parks, amphitheaters, recreation centers, and cemeteries.

Appropriates $30,000,000 for community improvement grants to counties for operating, construction, improvements, equipment, renovation, and maintenance expenses associated with county fairs and rodeos.

Requires the agency director to notify the Speaker of the House at least 30 days before distributing funds, providing the name, address, and amount for each recipient.

Makes the act effective July 1, 2013 under an emergency clause, declaring that immediate implementation is essential to the operation of the Department of Rural Services.