HB1614 Summary

• Reappropriates unexpended balances from capital improvement appropriations made in Act 194 of 2016 to Arkansas higher education institutions, effective July 1, 2017.

• Covers 24 institutions including community colleges, technical colleges, and university campuses with allocations totaling approximately $65 million for construction, renovation, maintenance, equipment, and technology upgrades.

• Funds may be supplemented with federal grants, donations, and institutional cash income, but cannot replace existing maintenance and operations funding.

• Requires compliance with state purchasing laws, accounting procedures, and revenue stabilization requirements in disbursement of funds.

• Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2017 to ensure continued operation of essential higher education capital improvement projects.