AR HB1702

Appropriates $500,000 to the Department of Higher Education for grants to historically black colleges and universities during fiscal year 2017-2018.

Grants are designated to fund educational programs for offenders who are recently released or soon-to-be released from incarceration.

Disbursement of funds must comply with state procurement law, accounting procedures, revenue stabilization law, salary restrictions, and Department of Finance and Administration regulations.

Funds must be used in accordance with agency requests, executive recommendations, and legislative recommendations documented in budget manuals and official minutes of the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.

Act takes effect July 1, 2017 on an emergency basis, as the constitution limits appropriations to one-year periods and timely implementation is essential for agency operations.