HB1586

House Bill 1586 amends Arkansas law regarding the establishment, operation, and management of military-type canteens and exchanges on state military reservations like Camp Joseph T. Robinson and Fort Chaffee. The bill grants the Adjutant General authority to enter into contracts with military-focused non-profits or other entities to operate these facilities. It clarifies the procedures, limitations, and regulatory standards for these exchanges, including aligning them with federal Army and Air Force regulations to reduce operating expenses. The bill explicitly prohibits these canteens from selling certain high-value consumer goods like vehicles and furniture. It requires mandatory annual external audits by a certified public accountant to be submitted to the Arkansas Legislative Audit. Finally, it provides the Adjutant General with the power to terminate state-run operations if they choose to transition to an agreement with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).