Arkansas 2024 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB68

Introduced
4/11/24  
Refer
4/15/24  
Introduced
4/11/24  
Report Pass
4/17/24  
Refer
4/15/24  
Engrossed
4/18/24  
Report Pass
4/17/24  
Enrolled
4/24/24  
Engrossed
4/18/24  
Chaptered
4/30/24  
Enrolled
4/24/24  
Chaptered
4/30/24  

Caption

An Act For The Institutions Of Higher Education Reappropriation.

Impact

The bill is expected to provide crucial financial resources to address long-standing maintenance and renovation needs at Arkansas universities. Among the key allocations are funds for construction and upgrades to facilities, which will enhance educational environments, improve safety measures, and support overall institutional growth. By ensuring that these funds are reappropriated effectively, SB68 aims to maintain and enhance the state's higher education infrastructure, which is vital for supporting student needs and institutional missions.

Summary

Senate Bill 68 is focused on the reappropriation of capital improvement funds for Arkansas institutions of higher education. This legislation aims to allocate funding for various construction, renovation, and maintenance projects at several universities across the state, including Arkansas State University, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Central Arkansas. The bill ensures that previously allocated funds remain available for the specified purposes, which will support infrastructure enhancements and maintenance needs within the higher education system.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SB68 appears to be positive, with support from various stakeholders who recognize the importance of maintaining and improving facilities within higher education institutions. Legislators emphasize the necessity of investing in education infrastructure as vital for fostering academic success and innovation. However, there are some concerns regarding the efficiency of fund utilization and the need for ongoing oversight to ensure these appropriations lead to tangible improvements.

Contention

While the bill has widespread support, there are potential points of contention regarding how effectively the appropriated funds will be managed and spent. Some critics may argue that previous funding allocations have not always resulted in the expected enhancements or repairs. This concern underscores the importance of accountability and the need for structured oversight measures to ensure that the funding directly translates into legitimate construction and maintenance projects as intended.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1080

An Act For The Institutions Of Higher Education Reappropriation.

AR HB1084

An Act For The Institutions Of Higher Education Reappropriation.

AR SB196

An Act For The Institutions Of Higher Education Reappropriation.

AR HB1372

An Act For The Institutions Of Higher Education Reappropriation.

AR HB1393

An Act For The Institutions Of Higher Education Reappropriation.

AR SB223

An Act For The Institutions Of Higher Education Reappropriation.

AR SB69

An Act For The Institutions Of Higher Education Reappropriation.

AR SB244

An Act For The Institutions Of Higher Education Capital Improvement Appropriation.

AR HB1388

An Act For The Institutions Of Higher Education Capital Improvement Appropriation.

AR HB1493

An Act For The Institutions Of Higher Education Capital Improvement Appropriation.

Similar Bills

AR SB196

An Act For The Institutions Of Higher Education Reappropriation.

AR SB223

An Act For The Institutions Of Higher Education Reappropriation.

AR SB69

An Act For The Institutions Of Higher Education Reappropriation.

AR SB221

An Act For The Department Of Agriculture Reappropriation.

NJ A5860

Appropriates $107,999,000 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and various Green Acres funds to DEP for local government open space acquisition, park development, and planning projects, and for certain administrative expenses.

NJ S4567

Appropriates $107,999,000 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and various Green Acres funds to DEP for local government open space acquisition, park development, and planning projects, and for certain administrative expenses.

OH HB2

Direct state funds for economic growth and community development

AR HB1080

An Act For The Institutions Of Higher Education Reappropriation.