H259 - 2023 Appropriations Act. (SL 2023-134)

Overview: Section 14.3 of S.L. 2023-134 directs the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) to assume ownership and administration of the Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Johnston County from the Tobacco Farm Life Museum, Inc. and creates the Tobacco Farm Life Museum Fund within the DNCR to pay costs associated with the operation, interpretation, development, expansion, preservation, and maintenance of the Tobacco Farm Life Museum. Of the funds appropriated to the DNCR General Fund, $375,000 in the 2023-2024 fiscal year and $350,000 in the 2024-2025 fiscal year must be used for the operation, administration, and new positions staffing the Tobacco Farm Life Museum. The section also repeals laws (Article 51, Chapter 143) requiring the DNCR to establish and otherwise manage tobacco museums in Rockingham County and in Nash or Edgecombe County.

The section that repeals statutes requiring the DNCR to establish and manage tobacco museums became effective October 3, 2023.

The remainder of the section becomes effective only if the Tobacco Farm Life Museum transfers and conveys all of its assets to the State.