AR SB575

Appropriates $2 million total from the General Improvement Fund to the Department of Finance and Administration for grants to planning and development districts supporting neonatal intensive care units and obstetrical centers

Distributes $250,000 each to eight economic development districts: Northwest, North Central, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Western, West Central, and Central Arkansas

Funds designated for capital improvements, staff training and development, and patient education at neonatal and obstetrical health facilities

Permits recipient institutions to supplement state funds with federal grants, donations, and unobligated cash income; prohibits use of agency maintenance and operations funds for these purposes

Becomes effective July 1, 2015 under emergency clause to ensure continuous agency operations