The House on Tuesday passed legislation to create a "Development and Enhancement Fund" as a successor to the maligned General Improvement Fund.
The Senate previously passed Senate Bill 155, to create the Development and Enhancement Fund, by a unanimous vote. On Tuesday, the House passed the bill 93-2, sending it to Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
Rep. Lane Jean, R-Magnolia, the House sponsor, told this newspaper last month that there was a need to "get away from that language 'GIF.'"
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The General Improvement Fund was at the center of federal corruption probes that led to convictions or guilty pleas of some former lawmakers.
The Arkansas Supreme Court has also ruled that the way funds were spent by lawmakers on local projects violated the state constitution.
Language within SB155 states that the intent of the Development and Enhancement Fund would be to distribute funding for construction and improvement projects, unforeseen needs and funding deficiencies. The General Improvement Fund had a similar role.
A spokesman said Hutchinson supports the bill.
-- John Moritz