HB1602 Summary

• Reappropriates unexpended balances from Act 104 of 2016 for the Department of Correction effective July 1, 2017, including funds for facility operations, maintenance, and capital improvements totaling approximately $35.9 million.

• Allocates funds for specific projects including a $10 million diagnostic building renovation at Pine Bluff, $7.8 million for general facility maintenance and repairs, and $2.3 million for lease payments on debt service for new institutions at Malvern and Newport.

• Appropriates $4.38 million to reimburse regional county detention facilities housing state inmates through the County Jail Reimbursement Fund.

• Reappropriates $108,950 from the Prison Industry Fund and $3.34 million from the Farm Fund for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to industrial and agricultural facilities.

• Requires strict compliance with state purchasing, accounting, and fiscal control laws, and declares an emergency effective date of July 1, 2017 due to constitutional restrictions on fund appropriations.