AR SB408

Appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Improvement Fund to the Department of Rural Services for grants to fire departments, counties, municipalities, and eligible entities for operating, construction, improvements, equipment, renovation, and maintenance of public buildings, community centers, memorials, parks, amphitheaters, recreation centers, fire protection facilities, and cemeteries

Exempts the appropriation from restrictions applicable to other programs currently administered and allows the Department to adopt new rules and regulations to carry out the intent of the General Assembly

Prohibits contracts or obligations from exceeding available State Treasury funds, but allows recipient institutions to supplement with grants, donations, federal funds, or unobligated cash income

Requires strict compliance with State Purchasing Law, General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, Revenue Stabilization Law, and other fiscal control laws in disbursing funds

Declares an emergency effective date of July 1, 2015 to ensure proper administration of essential governmental programs; bill approved March 29, 2015