AR HB1312

Appropriates $2,375,563 to University of Arkansas - Arkansas Biosciences Institute for fiscal year 2021-2022, 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 University of Arkansas - Division of Agriculture - Arkansas Biosciences Institute for fiscal year 2021-2022, including $1,356,100 for regular salaries, $359,332 for personal services matching, $380,000 for operating expenses, $40,000 for conference and travel, $100,000 for professional fees, and $180,000 for capital outlay.

Funds are payable from the Arkansas Biosciences Institute Program Account of the Tobacco Settlement Fund and cannot be transferred except as approved by the Department of Higher Education, Chief Fiscal Officer, and Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.

Requires disclosure to employees that positions funded by Tobacco Settlement funds have no guaranteed continuation if settlement funds expire, and state funds will not replace tobacco settlement funds unless separately appropriated and authorized by the Governor.

Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2021 to ensure continuous operation of the agencies during the fiscal year period.