AN ACT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT - OIL AND GAS COMMISSION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT APPROPRIATION.

2025 Regular Session

Act 338 allocates $571,826 for urgent roof repairs at the Oil and Gas Commission's Education Center, ensuring safety and uninterrupted educational services in Arkansas.

Notification that HB1616 is now Act 338

Overview

House Bill 1616, now known as Act 338, was introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly on February 27, 2025. The bill aims to appropriate funds for capital improvement projects specifically for the Department of Energy and Environment's Oil and Gas Commission. The primary focus of this legislation is to address necessary repairs to the roof of the Education Center/Warehouse.

Purpose and Intent

The main purpose of HB 1616 is to secure funding for critical infrastructure improvements within the Oil and Gas Commission. By allocating these funds, the bill seeks to ensure the continued operation and safety of the facilities used for educational and operational purposes related to oil and gas management in Arkansas.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several key appropriations and stipulations:

Appropriations for Roof Repair:

Federal Funds: An appropriation not to exceed $275,274 for roof repairs to the Education Center/Warehouse, payable from designated federal funds.
Cash Funds: An additional appropriation not to exceed $296,552 for the same roof repairs, payable from cash funds in the State Treasury.

Disbursement Controls:

Contracts and obligations related to the projects cannot exceed the available State Treasury funds.
The Department of Energy and Environment is authorized to accept grants and donations to supplement state funds for the projects.

Compliance with Fiscal Laws:

The bill mandates strict adherence to applicable state purchasing and fiscal control laws during the disbursement of funds.

Legislative Intent:

The General Assembly emphasizes that the appropriated funds should align with the reasons for the bill's adoption, as outlined in various budgetary documents.

Emergency Clause:

An emergency clause is included, declaring that the act is necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, to avoid any disruption in essential governmental programs.

Impact

The passage of HB 1616 will directly benefit the Department of Energy and Environment by providing necessary funding for infrastructure improvements. This will enhance the operational capacity of the Oil and Gas Commission, ensuring that educational programs and services related to oil and gas management can continue without interruption. The funding will also help maintain safety standards for the facilities involved.

Legislative Timeline

February 27, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.

March 12, 2025: Considered in the Committee of the Whole, passed, and rules suspended for further readings.

March 13, 2025: Passed by both the House and Senate; emergency clause adopted.

March 18, 2025: Notification that HB 1616 is now Act 338.

This summary provides a clear understanding of the intent, provisions, and implications of House Bill 1616, facilitating informed discussions and analyses regarding its impact on Arkansas's energy and environmental management.

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