AR HB1262

Appropriates $5,643,838 from the Tobacco Settlement Program Fund to Arkansas State University - Arkansas Biosciences Institute for fiscal year 2025-2026, covering personal services and operating expenses

Authorizes a maximum of 43 employees, including the Executive Director (salary up to $258,983), research faculty, graduate assistants, and administrative staff

Allocates $2,149,024 for regular salaries, $551,206 for personal services matching, $2,527,694 for operating expenses, and $400,000 for capital outlay

Permits transfers between line items within appropriations only with approval from the Division of Higher Education, Chief Fiscal Officer, and Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee

Specifies that positions funded by Tobacco Settlement proceeds are not guaranteed continued state funding if settlement funds become insufficient