SB354

Senate Bill 354 is a legislative appropriation act providing $750,000,000 to the Arkansas Department of Corrections - Division of Correction for capital improvement and prison construction projects. The funds are to be sourced from the Development and Enhancement Fund. The bill establishes strict disbursement controls, requiring compliance with state fiscal and purchasing laws and prohibiting the use of existing maintenance and operational budgets for these construction purposes. It further clarifies that projects must align with official budget requests and legislative recommendations. The act includes an emergency clause, declaring that its implementation is essential for the effective operation of the Department of Corrections, and mandates an effective date of July 1, 2025.