AR SB685

Appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Improvement Fund to the Department of Arkansas Heritage for grants to maintain, renovate, equip, construct, acquire, improve, upgrade, and repair historic theaters in Arkansas.

Allows the Department of Arkansas Heritage to adopt new rules and regulations to carry out the appropriation without restriction from requirements applicable to other state programs.

Permits the Department to supplement state funds with grants, donations, and federal funds to finance the full costs of historic theater projects.

Requires strict compliance with state purchasing laws, accounting procedures, revenue stabilization laws, and fiscal control regulations in disbursing appropriated funds.

Takes effect July 1, 2013 as an emergency measure to ensure operation of essential government programs.