This bill proposes an appropriation of up to $250,000,000 to the Department of Human Services - Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services for the construction of an additional State Behavioral Health Hospital for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The funds will be transferred from the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund to a designated cash fund in the State Treasury, effective immediately upon the bill's enactment. The provisions for this transfer will be in effect only from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Additionally, the bill includes amendments to various sections of the Arkansas Code, specifically regarding the responsibilities of prosecuting attorneys in mental health hearings. Notably, references to the Arkansas State Hospital in Pulaski County and Little Rock are deleted, indicating a potential shift in the designation or location of the hospital. The bill also establishes disbursement controls to ensure that funds are used appropriately and in compliance with existing fiscal laws. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect on July 1, 2025, to ensure the timely operation of the agency involved.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1034 V2 - 1-15-2025 10:23 AM:
Old version HB1034 Original - 11-20-2024 03:18 PM:
HB 1034: