AR HB1145

Appropriates $5,643,838 from the Tobacco Settlement Program Fund to Arkansas State University's Arkansas Biosciences Institute for fiscal year 2015-2016, including $2,249,024 for regular salaries, $15,914 for extra help, $580,171 for personal services matching, and $2,798,729 for maintenance and general operations.

Establishes a maximum of 53 regular employees for the institute, including 1 Executive Director at $192,339, 1 Director of Research & Tech Transfer at $180,315, 14 faculty members ranging from Research Professor ($176,628) to Research Instructor ($108,422), and various administrative and research support staff.

Authorizes up to 50 temporary or part-time "Extra Help" employees to be hired as needed at rates not exceeding those in the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act.

Permits the institution to transfer appropriations between line items only with prior approval from the Department of Higher Education, Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, and Legislative Council.

Specifies that no state funds will replace Tobacco Settlement funds for these positions if settlement funds expire, unless separately appropriated by the General Assembly and authorized by the Governor.