AR SB549

Appropriates $1,000,000 to the Department of Education from the General Improvement Fund for grants to school districts in fiscal distress.

Grants may be used for personal services, operating expenses, construction, improvements, equipment, renovation, and maintenance expenses.

Allows the Department of Education to adopt new rules and regulations to carry out the appropriation without being restricted by requirements applicable to other programs.

Permits recipient institutions to supplement state funds with grants, donations, federal funds, and unobligated cash income, but prohibits using existing Maintenance and General Operations funds for these purposes.

Takes effect on July 1, 2013, with an emergency declaration to ensure the appropriation is available for immediate agency operations.