The bill amends Arkansas law regarding the allocation of funds resulting from litigation involving the General Improvement Fund or its successor funds. It specifies that when a settlement or judgment is reached in a lawsuit where the state is a party, the Attorney General is responsible for creating accounts to receive the funds and distributing them according to established guidelines. The bill introduces a new subsection (d) that mandates that funds from settlements related to the General Improvement Fund must be deposited into the State Treasury and allocated specifically for crime reduction and prevention programs, as well as for assisting the Division of Community Correction with probation, parole, and post-release supervision services.
Additionally, the bill requires the Attorney General's office to provide quarterly reports to the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee detailing all cash funds received from court orders or settlement agreements. These reports must include information on the case names, amounts received, plans for disbursement, and any specific activities funded. The new legal language emphasizes transparency and accountability in the management of these funds, ensuring that they are used effectively for public safety and community support initiatives.