This bill appropriates funds for the Department of Health's Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. It establishes a maximum of one regular employee, specifically an Administrative Specialist III, with a total appropriation of $351,760 allocated for personal services, operating expenses, and grants related to monitoring and evaluating program expenditures from the Tobacco Settlement Program Fund. The bill also includes provisions for the commission to hire an independent third party to conduct evaluations and requires the preparation of a biennial report to the General Assembly.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific language regarding the transfer of appropriations, compliance with other laws, and the legislative intent behind the appropriations. It emphasizes that no state funds will replace Tobacco Settlement funds when they expire unless specifically appropriated by the General Assembly. The bill includes an emergency clause, stating that its effectiveness on July 1, 2023, is essential for the operation of the agency, thereby ensuring the timely provision of necessary governmental programs.

Statutes affected:
SB 20:
Act 603: