GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1991

S	1 

SENATE BILL 1044*

Short Title:  General Assembly/TV.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Senators Seymour; Hyde, Smith, and Basnight.
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Referred to:  Rules and Operation of the Senate.
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June 1, 1992

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR GAVEL-TO-GAVEL TELEVISION COVERAGE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND FOR OTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS OF THE STATE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE OPEN GOVERNMENT THROUGH PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS STUDY COMMISSION.
Whereas, democracy requires as much direct contact between the People and their elected government as is possible; and
Whereas, the People should be encouraged to interact with their elected government wherever possible; and
Whereas, democracy requires its electorate to understand public issues and the uses of tax funds appropriated for services to that electorate; and
Whereas, a need exists to encourage and facilitate contact and interaction between the People and their elected government which can be accomplished in a reasonable manner through the use of modern telecommunications; and
Whereas, the Agency for Public Telecommunications was created in 1979 for the purpose of encouraging and facilitating communication between the People and their government and, with continued support, can continue to accomplish and expand this role; Now, therefore, 
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Administration, Agency for Public Telecommunications, the sum of two million four hundred three thousand seven hundred dollars ($2,403,700) for the fiscal year 1992-93 to be used to perform the necessary remodeling and to purchase the necessary equipment to provide for the television coverage and transmission of the proceedings of the General Assembly and its committees.  Any remodeling performed under the authority of this appropriation, and any equipment purchased under the authority of this appropriation, shall be with the advice and consent of the Legislative Services Commission.
Sec. 2.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Administration, Agency for Public Telecommunications, the sum of three hundred fourteen thousand one hundred seventy-five dollars ($314,175) for the fiscal year 1992-93 to be used to provide matching funds for available funds from the United States Government for Ku-Band retrofitting, for purchase and installation of second channel equipment, for construction necessary to accomplish the objectives set out above in this section, and for the purchase and installation of 100 satellite receiving dishes to be located at public libraries accessible to all 100 counties of the State.  If more than one library facility exists in a county, the Agency for Public Telecommunications will determine, in consultation with the State Librarian, which facility is most accessible and appropriate to receive the satellite equipment.
Sec. 3.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Administration, Agency for Public Telecommunications, the sum of five hundred four thousand seven hundred ninety-four dollars ($504,794) for the fiscal year 1992-93 for the funding of an operating expansion reserve to be used as provided in the report of the Commission on Open Government Through Public Telecommunications to the 1991 General Assembly, 1992 Regular Session.
Sec. 4.  Within the limits set by the appropriations, the Agency for Public Telecommunications is authorized to take advantage of new and developing technologies by purchasing, installing, or acquiring facilities that will promote the most cost-effective production, distribution, and reception of satellite television coverage that will meet acceptable standards.
Sec. 5.  None of the appropriations contained in this act shall revert at the end of the fiscal year, but shall remain available for use as appropriated in this act.
Sec. 6.  This act is effective July 1, 1992.