HB1085
An Act For The Department Of Public Safety - State Crime Laboratory Development And Enhancement Appropriation.
Last Action (May 1, 2023): Died in House Committee at Sine Die Adjournment
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1085 authorizes an appropriation of $212,070,000 to the Arkansas Department of Public Safety for the State Crime Laboratory. The funding is designated for the development, land acquisition, construction, and equipping of a new state crime lab facility. The bill directs the transfer of these funds from the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund to the Development and Enhancement Fund. It includes standard disbursement controls, ensuring compliance with state procurement and accounting laws, and specifies that existing agency operating funds cannot be redirected for this capital project. Additionally, the bill contains an emergency clause, declaring the new facility necessary to address backlogged criminal cases and improve public safety, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon approval.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are the Arkansas Department of Public Safety and the State Crime Laboratory, which will receive significant funding for facility expansion and modernization. Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the judicial system stand to benefit from improved forensic processing capabilities and reduced backlogs. Additionally, the public generally benefits from the potential for more efficient criminal investigations and the timely resolution of legal proceedings.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary groups negatively impacted are the taxpayers and the state budget, as the appropriation represents a significant withdrawal of $212,070,000 from the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund, which reduces the state's reserve liquidity. Additionally, any other state agencies or public projects that may have been competing for priority funding from the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund could be negatively affected by the depletion of these specific resources for this capital project.
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