AR SB581

Appropriates $500,000 to the Department of Rural Services from the General Improvement Fund for grants to fire departments, counties, municipalities, and other 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 appropriations from standard program restrictions and allows new rules and regulations to be adopted to carry out the General Assembly's intent.

Restricts contract awards and obligations to State Treasury funds actually available, but permits institutions to accept and use grants, donations, Federal funds, and unobligated cash income to supplement state funding.

Requires strict compliance with State Purchasing Law, General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, Revenue Stabilization Law, and other applicable fiscal control laws unless specifically provided otherwise by law.

Declares an emergency effective date of July 1, 2015 to ensure the appropriations are available for immediate agency operations; bill approved March 24, 2015.