AR SB12

Establishes maximum of 2 regular employees for the State Board of Optometry for fiscal year 2015-2016: one Executive Director (Grade C115) and one Fiscal Support Specialist (Grade C112).

Appropriates $178,856 in cash funds for the State Board of Optometry for fiscal year 2015-2016, including $73,610 for regular salaries, $25,880 for personal services matching, $40,354 for operating expenses, and $39,012 for professional fees.

Restricts the agency from expending funds on attorney services unless the Attorney General first approves the request and certifies the need; if the Attorney General determines insufficient personnel are available, the agency may hire outside counsel with prior written approval and annual re-advertisement requirements.

Requires all fund disbursements to comply with state procurement law, accounting procedures, revenue stabilization law, and regular salary procedures, with oversight from the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.

Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2015 to ensure immediate operation of the agency, as required by Arkansas Constitution limiting appropriations to one-year periods.