SB71 Summary

• Reappropriates $15,000,000 from the Development and Enhancement Fund to the Department of Education for capital improvement projects at the Arkansas School for the Blind, effective July 1, 2024.

• Reappropriates $15,000,000 from the Development and Enhancement Fund to the Department of Education for capital improvement projects at the Arkansas School for the Deaf, effective July 1, 2024.

• Funds may be used for maintenance, renovation, equipping, construction, acquisition, improvement, upgrade, and repair of real property and facilities at both schools.

• Authorizes institutions to supplement appropriated funds with grants, donations, Federal funds, and unobligated cash income, while prohibiting use of Maintenance and General Operations funds for these capital projects.

• Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2024, citing constitutional restrictions on multi-year appropriations and the need for immediate operation of the agencies.