AR SB34

Appropriates $416,627 to the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission for fiscal year 2019-2020, including regular salaries ($90,177), personal services matching ($30,875), and maintenance and general operations ($45,575).

Authorizes two maximum positions: a Tobacco Settlement Commission Director (Grade GS09) and an Administrative Specialist III (Grade GS04).

Requires the Commission to file quarterly progress reports to the Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committees and hire an independent third party to conduct monitoring and evaluation of tobacco settlement fund expenditures, with biennial reports due to the General Assembly and Governor by August 1.

Restricts appropriation transfers except as authorized by the act and requires Chief Fiscal Officer and Legislative Council approval for budget classification modifications within maintenance and general operation categories.

Declares an emergency effective date of July 1, 2019, stating that funding is essential to agency operations and compliance with the Arkansas Constitution's one-year appropriation requirement.