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HB 1635

AN ACT FOR A GRANT FOR AN ARKANSAS TEACHING VETERINARIAN HOSPITAL AT THE LITTLE ROCK ZOO FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - DISBURSING OFFICER APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tippi McCullough and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1635 sought $5 million for a Teaching Veterinarian Hospital at Little Rock Zoo, enhancing veterinary education and animal care for students and the community.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1635

Summary of House Bill 1635

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 1635
Title: An Act for a Grant for an Arkansas Teaching Veterinarian Hospital at the Little Rock Zoo for the Department of Finance and Administration - Disbursing Officer Appropriation for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: February 28, 2025
Fiscal Year: 2025-2026

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1635 aimed to provide a grant to support the construction of an Arkansas Teaching Veterinarian Hospital at the Little Rock Zoo. The intent was to enhance veterinary education and animal care within the state, thereby benefiting both the zoo and the broader community.

Key Provisions

  • Grant Amount: The bill proposed an appropriation of $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
  • Disbursement: Funds were to be disbursed by the Department of Finance and Administration, with strict compliance to state fiscal control laws.
  • Legislative Intent: The bill emphasized that the appropriated funds should align with the reasons for its adoption, as outlined in various budgetary documents and legislative testimonies.
  • Emergency Clause: An emergency clause was included, stating that the bill needed to take effect on July 1, 2025, to ensure timely funding for the agency's operations.

Affected Parties

  • Little Rock Zoo: The primary beneficiary of the grant, which would enhance its capacity to provide veterinary education and care.
  • Veterinary Students and Professionals: The establishment of the teaching hospital would serve as a training ground for future veterinarians, improving educational opportunities in the field.
  • Arkansas Community: The project was expected to contribute to local economic development and improve animal welfare standards.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • February 28, 2025: Bill filed.
  • March 3, 2025: Bill read for the first time and referred to the Joint Budget Committee.
  • March 5, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted, adding Senator Tucker as a co-sponsor.
  • March 18, 2025: Amendment No. 2 adopted, leading to the bill being reported correctly engrossed.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1635 was designed to secure funding for a significant educational and veterinary initiative at the Little Rock Zoo. Despite its potential benefits, the bill did not progress past the committee stage and ultimately did not become law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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