HB1534 Summary

• Appropriates funds from the Development and Enhancement Fund to 24 Arkansas higher education institutions for capital improvement projects, including construction, renovations, and technology upgrades.

• Key major projects include: Center for Science and Technology at Arkansas Northeastern College ($3,000,000), Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence at North Arkansas College ($2,765,000), Health/Science Technology Building at Arkansas State University Three Rivers ($2,504,550), and Secondary Center in Paragould at Black River Technical College ($2,293,500).

• Funding categories for each institution include critical maintenance, deferred maintenance, equipment and library replacements, technology infrastructure upgrades, and building renovations to support distance education and workforce development programs.

• Institutions may supplement state funds with grants, donations, federal funds, and unobligated cash income for projects, but existing maintenance and operations appropriations cannot be redirected for these capital projects.

• Act becomes effective July 1, 2021, with an emergency clause declaring the immediate implementation essential to institutional operations.