AR SB568

Appropriates $1,000,000 to the Department of Rural Services from the General Improvement Fund for grants to fire departments, counties, municipalities, and other eligible entities.

Grant funds may be used for operating, construction, improvements, equipment, renovation, and maintenance expenses for public buildings, community centers, memorials, parks, amphitheaters, recreation centers, fire protection facilities, and cemeteries.

Allows recipients to supplement state funds with grants, donations, federal funds, and unobligated cash income, but prohibits using existing Maintenance and General Operations appropriations for these projects.

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.

Establishes an emergency effective date of July 1, 2015, citing the Arkansas Constitution's one-year appropriation limit and the need for immediate agency operation.