AR HB1561

Appropriates $8,000,000 to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff from the General Improvement Fund for acquisition of land, buildings, facilities, construction, renovation, rehabilitation, maintenance, critical maintenance, equipment, and security enhancements.

Prohibits contracts and obligations exceeding available State Treasury funds, but allows the university to accept grants, donations, Federal funds, and use unobligated cash income to supplement the appropriation.

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 must be used in compliance with stated reasons for the appropriation as documented in budget manuals, letters, and legislative meeting minutes.

Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2015, citing the constitutional prohibition on appropriations exceeding one-year periods and the essential nature of the funds to agency operations.