AR SB638

Appropriates $3,000,000 from the General Improvement Fund to the Department of Finance and Administration - Disbursing Officer for grants to work colleges as defined by U.S.C. Title 42, Section 2756b that are part of the Work Colleges Consortium.

Authorized uses of funds include personal services, operating expenses, scholarships, research, education and math/science coursework, athletic programs, land and equipment acquisition, construction, infrastructure improvements, landscaping, renovation, and major maintenance.

Permits institutions to supplement state funds with grants, donations, federal funds, and unobligated cash income for project financing, but prohibits use of existing Maintenance and General Operations appropriations for these purposes.

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

Takes effect July 1, 2015 as an emergency measure, with the law becoming effective immediately upon enactment due to constitutional restrictions on multi-year appropriations.