GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1991

S	1 

SENATE BILL 64*

Short Title:  Continue State Personnel Study Comm.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Senators Sands, Johnson, Bryan, Speed; and Sherron.
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Referred to:  Appropriations.
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February 13, 1991

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO REAUTHORIZE THE STATE PERSONNEL SYSTEM STUDY COMMISSION.
Whereas, there was no comprehensive study until 1985 of the State Personnel System established in 1965;
Whereas, the Legislative Research Commission's study committee on State personnel, as begun under Chapter 790 of the 1985 Session Laws, was continued under Chapter 873 of the 1987 Session Laws;
Whereas, the 1989 General Assembly created an independent study commission, the State Personnel System Study Commission, in Chapter 802 of the 1989 Session Laws; 
Whereas, these legislative studies of the State Personnel System have provided an excellent forum for the Office of State Personnel, State personnel officers, various State employee associations and interest groups, legislators, and the public to discuss and examine the entire range of State personnel problems and the needs of State employees;
Whereas, these legislative studies have resulted in the adoption of policies and the enactment of legislation that have effectuated needed changes and improvements;
Whereas, the State Personnel System created in Chapter 802 of the 1989 Session Laws should be reauthorized; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  There is created a Study Commission on the State Personnel System to be composed of 15 members: five Senators to be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, five Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House, and five public members to be appointed by the Governor.  Appointments to the Study Commission shall be made within 30 days subsequent to the adjournment of the General Assembly in 1991.  The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House shall each designate a cochairman from their appointees.  Either cochairman may call the first meeting of the Study Commission.  Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made.
Sec. 2. The Study Commission is authorized to study all aspects of the State Personnel System, including but not limited to, the impact of State and local governmental employees retirement benefits increases, the impact of the exemption from State taxes of State, local, federal, and private retirement benefits, and public employees' day care and medical and dental benefits. 
Sec. 3. With the prior approval of the Legislative Services Commission, the Legislative Services Officer shall assign professional and clerical staff to assist in the work of the Commission.  Clerical staff shall be furnished to the Commission through the Offices of House and Senate Supervisors of Clerks.  The expenses of employment of the clerical staff shall be borne by the Commission.  With the prior approval of the Legislative Services Commission, the Study Commission may hold its meetings in the State Legislative Building or the Legislative Office Building.
Sec. 4. The Study Commission may submit an interim report of its findings and recommendations and the status of its work on or before the first day of the 1992 Regular Session of the 1991 General Assembly.  The Study Commission shall submit a final written report of its findings and recommendations on or before the convening of the 1993 Session of the General Assembly.  All reports shall be filed with the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.  Upon filing its final report, the Commission shall terminate. 
Sec. 5. Members of the Commission shall be paid per diem, subsistence, and travel allowances as follows:
(1)	Commission members who are also members of the General Assembly, at the rate established in G.S. 120-3.1;
(2)	Commission members who are officials or employees of the State or local government agencies, at the rate established in G.S. 138-6;
(3)	All other Commission members, at the rate established in G.S. 138-5.
Sec. 6. There is allocated from the funds appropriated to the General Assembly to the Study Commission on the State Personnel System for its work the sum of $25,000 for the 1991-92 fiscal year and the sum of $20,000 for the 1992-93 fiscal year.
Sec. 7.  This act becomes effective July 1, 1991.