AR HB1609

Appropriates $15,000,000 to the Department of Education - Arkansas State Library for grants to public libraries from the General Improvement Fund.

Grants must be distributed on a per capita basis and include public libraries that do not meet the guidelines for State Aid to Public Libraries.

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

Appropriations are not restricted by requirements applicable to other programs and new rules and regulations may be adopted to carry out the intent of the General Assembly.

Act becomes effective July 1, 2013 under emergency clause to ensure continuous operation of the agency.