HB 1489 Summary

• Appropriates General Improvement Fund monies totaling tens of millions of dollars to 24 higher education institutions across Arkansas for capital improvement projects during fiscal year 2017-2018.

• Funds designated for specific projects including building construction/renovation, technology upgrades, critical and deferred maintenance, and equipment/library resource acquisition at community colleges, technical colleges, and university campuses.

• Requires compliance with State Purchasing Law, General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law, and other applicable fiscal control laws; institutions may supplement appropriations with grants, donations, Federal funds, and unobligated cash income.

• Establishes legislative intent that funds be used in accordance with stated reasons documented in budget manuals, agency requests, and legislative council or Joint Budget Committee records related to the bill's adoption.

• Declares emergency clause making the act effective July 1, 2017, citing constitutional limitations on appropriation periods and need for immediate implementation to support essential governmental educational programs.