HB3786 Summary

• Creates the Alexander/Pulaski Medical District covering specified areas in Alexander and Pulaski counties from the City of Cairo northward, designed to attract and retain medical centers, research facilities, and healthcare institutions.

• Establishes a 12-member appointed Commission (3 each appointed by Governor, Mayor of Cairo, Alexander County Board, and Pulaski County Board) plus 3 ex officio commissioners, with 3-year staggered terms and a quorum requirement of 9 commissioners.

• Grants the Commission authority to acquire, construct, lease, and dispose of property within the District for medical, research, and educational purposes; apply for grants and loans; and establish a comprehensive master plan before undertaking major actions.

• Requires the Commission to conduct public hearings before property acquisition, construction, or disposition; prohibits taxation powers; exempts Commission-owned property from taxation; and subjects the Commission to Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act requirements.

• Amends the Court of Claims Act and Eminent Domain Act to include the Alexander/Pulaski Medical District Commission in tort claims jurisdiction and to recognize its eminent domain powers; creates the Alexander/Pulaski Medical District Income Fund in the State treasury.