AR SB716

Appropriates $500,000 from the General Improvement Fund to the Department of Parks and Tourism for matching grants supporting construction, improvements, renovation, and maintenance of historical monuments, markers, structures, and documents related to African American Arkansans.

Appropriates $500,000 from the General Improvement Fund to the Department of Parks and Tourism for restoration, renovation, repairs, and capital improvements to baseball and softball parks in communities where school districts have at least 85% of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Act.

Authorizes the Department of Parks and Tourism to accept and use grants, donations, Federal funds, and unobligated cash income to supplement State Treasury funds for financing project costs.

Provides that the appropriations are not subject to standard program restrictions and allows the Department to adopt new rules and regulations to carry out the intent of the General Assembly.

Effective July 1, 2013 under an emergency clause to ensure immediate availability of funds for agency operations.