SB20

This bill provides the fiscal year 2023-2024 appropriation for the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission, a division of the Department of Health. It authorizes funding for personal services, operating expenses, and the engagement of an independent third party to monitor and evaluate program expenditures related to the Tobacco Settlement Program Fund. The bill specifies the maximum number of employees allowed and allocates $351,760 in total appropriations for the commission's operations. Furthermore, it codifies requirements for the commission to produce biennial and quarterly reports for the General Assembly and relevant committees. The act also includes provisions regarding the transfer of funds, compliance with state fiscal laws, and stipulations that funding is contingent upon the availability of Tobacco Settlement proceeds. Finally, an emergency clause is included to ensure the act takes effect on July 1, 2023.