AR SB597

Appropriates $1,500,000 to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith from the General Improvement Fund for the Education Building project, including design development, construction, land acquisition, equipment, renovation, and operating expenses.

Prohibits contracts or obligations exceeding available State Treasury funds, but allows the university to supplement with grants, donations, Federal funds, and unobligated cash income to cover full project costs.

Requires strict compliance with State Purchasing Law, General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, Revenue Stabilization Law, and Department of Finance and Administration regulations in disbursement of funds.

Specifies that funds disbursed must comply with stated reasons for the appropriation as documented in budget manuals, agency requests, executive recommendations, and legislative minutes.

Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2013, citing the Arkansas Constitution's prohibition on appropriations exceeding one-year periods and the essential need for timely operation of the university.