AR SB501

Appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Improvement Fund to the Department of Education - Arkansas State Library for grants to libraries for personal services, operating expenses, land acquisition, improvements, construction, renovation, major maintenance, and equipment purchases.

Appropriates $120,000 from the General Improvement Fund for a grant to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture Project for personal services, operating expenses, professional fees, and equipment purchases.

Permits the Arkansas State Library to accept and use grants, donations, and Federal funds to supplement state appropriations, and prohibits using existing maintenance and operations funds for these purposes.

Requires strict compliance with state purchasing laws, accounting procedures, revenue stabilization laws, and fiscal control regulations in disbursement of appropriated funds.

Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2015 to ensure immediate operation of the agency, noting that appropriations are limited to one year under the Arkansas Constitution.