HB1049 Summary

• Appropriates $7,763,498 for Department of Arkansas Heritage State Operations for fiscal year 2016-2017, including $3,808,405 for regular salaries and $1,355,847 for personal services matching.

• Establishes maximum of 144 regular employees and authorizes up to 83 part-time or temporary "Extra Help" employees across various classifications.

• Appropriates $7,523,419 for Conservation Tax Amendment 75 programs including grants, heritage programs, museum/facility construction, and special maintenance.

• Provides appropriations for multiple heritage-related programs including Arts Council ($834,857 federal + $175,810 cash in treasury), Delta Cultural Center, Historic Preservation, Natural Heritage Commission, and various museum operations totaling over $30 million.

• Effective July 1, 2016 with emergency clause provisions; includes special language authorizing up to $40,000 annually for promotional and educational merchandise and designating the Heritage Director as disbursing officer for Natural and Cultural Resources Council grants.