This bill amends the law regarding the Pine Tree Research Station by allowing the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas to enter into a lease agreement with the Department of Human Services. The new legal language specifies that the property, which includes buildings and approximately five acres of land acquired from the United States Forest Service in 1978, may be leased to the Department of Human Services. The lease agreement will require the department to be responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and improvement of the property, and any lease payments received will be allocated for the maintenance of the Pine Tree Research Station, excluding funds for the portion used for row crop cultivation in 2020.

Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause, stating the immediate necessity for the act due to the essential services provided by the Department of Human Services to impaired individuals. The urgency is underscored by the availability of time-restricted funds to assist in providing these services at the Pine Tree Research Station. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor or under specific conditions if not approved or vetoed.

Statutes affected:
SB 428: 6-64-718