AR HB1037

Appropriates $2,375,563 to the University of Arkansas - Arkansas Biosciences Institute for fiscal year 2020-2021, funded from the Tobacco Settlement Fund, including $480,000 for regular salaries, $75,000 for personal services matching, $800,000 for operating expenses, and $1,020,563 for capital outlay.

Appropriates $2,415,432 to the University of Arkansas - Division of Agriculture - Arkansas Biosciences Institute for fiscal year 2020-2021, including $1,356,100 for regular salaries, $359,332 for personal services matching, $380,000 for operating expenses, $40,000 for conferences and travel, $100,000 for professional fees, and $180,000 for capital outlay.

Restricts transfer of appropriations between line items to only those approved by the Department of Higher Education, the Chief Fiscal Officer, and the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.

Clarifies that no state funds will replace Tobacco Settlement funds upon expiration unless appropriated by the General Assembly and authorized by the Governor, and requires disclosure of this limitation to all affected employees.

Establishes an emergency effective date of July 1, 2020 to ensure continued operation of the agencies during the fiscal year.