AR SB65

Appropriates $417,388 from the Tobacco Settlement Commission Fund for the Department of Health - Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission for fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, including $90,277 for regular salaries, $31,536 for personal services matching, and $250,000 for professional fees.

Establishes maximum of 2 regular employees: one ADH Tobacco Settlement Commission Director (Grade GS09) and one Administrative Specialist III (Grade GS04).

Requires the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission to file quarterly progress reports to the Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committees and hire an independent third party to conduct biennial evaluations of program expenditures, with reports due by August 1 preceding each regular legislative session.

Prohibits transfer of appropriations except as specifically authorized in the act and requires Chief Fiscal Officer approval with Legislative Council consent for any modifications to budget classifications.

Effective July 1, 2022, with provisions limiting Tobacco Settlement positions to available tobacco settlement funds and prohibiting state funds replacement unless separately appropriated by the General Assembly.