GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

EXTRA SESSION 1994

S	1 

SENATE BILL 98

Short Title:  Farm Camp Study.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Senator Odom.
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Referred to:  Rules.
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February 15, 1994

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO CREATE THE LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON FARM CAMP PROGRAMS AND TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1. There is created the Legislative Study Commission on Farm Camp Programs. The Commission shall consist of 10 members:  five Senators appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and five Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Sec. 2.  The President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall designate one Senator as cochair and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall designate one Representative as cochair. 
Sec. 3.  The Commission shall study the feasibility of establishing a Farm Camp Program for troubled youth.  For purposes of this study, the term "troubled youth" means: (i) juvenile delinquents who would otherwise be committed to training schools, and (ii) adult criminals under the age of 21 years, and who are guilty of nonviolent felony offenses. The Department of Correction, the Department of Social Services, the Division of Youth Services, and the Administrative Office of the Courts shall cooperate in the study. The study shall include:
(1)	An analysis of similar work and community service programs established for troubled youth in this State and other states, which analysis shall include data on the recidivism rate of the troubled youth participating in the programs, the effects of the programs on the farm communities in which the youth are working, and the success rate of incorporating the youth in the work force after they leave the programs;
(2)	A review of academic and professional studies regarding the effects of community involvement and participation on youth, including an examination of the beneficial effects of providing troubled youth with the opportunity to develop work skills, to become productive citizens, and to develop self-confidence, independence, and self-esteem;
(3)	An analysis of whether the Farm Camp Program will  reduce the populations of the State prisons and training schools and any other anticipated effects it will have on the Department of Correction, the Department of Social Services,  and the Division of Youth Services;
(4)	A review of information from the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, Inc.;
(5)	An examination of the federal and State laws that affect troubled youth; and
(6)	A fiscal analysis of the costs of establishing and operating a Farm Camp Program for a five to 10-year period.
Sec. 4.  The Commission shall submit an interim report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly on or before the first day of the 1994 Regular Session of the General Assembly and a final report to the General Assembly on or before the first day of the 1995 Session of the General Assembly.  The reports shall be submitted by filing them 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.  The Commission, while in the discharge of its official duties, may exercise all the powers provided for under the provisions of G.S. 120-19, and G.S. 120-19.1 through G.S. 120-19.4.  The Commission may meet at any time upon the joint call of the cochairs.  The Commission may meet in the Legislative Building or the Legislative Office Building.
Sec. 6. Members of the Commission shall receive subsistence and travel expenses at the rates set forth in G.S. 120-3.1.
Sec. 7. The Commission may contract for professional, clerical, or consultant services as provided by G.S. 120-32.02.  The Legislative Services Commission, through the Legislative Administrative Officer, shall assign professional staff to assist in the work of the Commission. The House of Representatives' and the Senate's Supervisors of Clerks shall assign clerical staff to the Commission or committee, upon the direction of the Legislative Services Commission.  The expenses relating to clerical employees shall be borne by the Commission.
Sec. 8. When a vacancy occurs in the membership of the Commission, the vacancy shall be filled by the same appointing officer who made the initial appointment.
Sec. 9. All State departments and agencies and local governments and their subdivisions shall furnish the Commission with any information in their possession or available to them.
Sec. 10. There is appropriated from the General Fund to the General Assembly the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for the 1993-94 fiscal year.
Sec. 11.  This act is effective upon ratification.