GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1995

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 60*

Short Title:  State Parks Study Commission.	(Public)

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Sponsors: Representatives Luebke; Preston, Weatherly, Ives, and Culp.

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Referred to:  Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.

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January 30, 1995

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO CREATE A STUDY COMMISSION ON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  There is created a Study Commission on State Parks and Recreation Areas to be composed of nine members, three Senators to be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, three Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and three public members to be appointed by the Governor.  The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each designate a cochair from their appointees.  Either cochair may call the first meeting of the Study Commission.  With the prior approval of the Legislative Services Commission, the Study Commission may hold its meetings in the legislative buildings.
Sec. 2.  The Study Commission is authorized:
(1)	To identify the needs of State Parks and Recreation Areas;
(2)	To collect and evaluate reports and recommendations of various agencies, councils, and associations relating to State Parks and Recreation Areas;
(3)	To review and evaluate the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and to recommend any revisions necessary in the law;
(4)	To review and formulate proposed legislation to address the needs of the Parks System; and
(5)	To study any other issues pertinent to the State Parks and Recreation System.
Sec. 3.  With the prior approval of the Legislative Services Commission, the Study Commission shall use available employees, both secretarial and professional, of the General Assembly or may employ necessary personnel as the Study Commission deems proper.  The cochairs may assign and direct the activities of the employees, subject to the advice of the Study Commission.  The Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources and any other departments, boards, or associations shall assist the Study Commission and furnish any information or expertise requested.
Sec. 4.  The Study Commission shall file a written report of its findings and recommendations with the presiding officers of the House of Representatives and the Senate on or before the convening of the 1997 General Assembly.
Sec. 5.  Members of the Study Commission shall serve without compensation, but they shall be paid per diem and travel expenses in accordance with G.S. 138-5.  Members who are legislators shall be reimbursed for travel and subsistence in accordance with G.S. 120-3.1.
Sec. 6.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the General Assembly the sum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for the 1995-96 fiscal year and the sum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for the 1996-97 fiscal year for the expenses of the Study Commission on State Parks and Recreation Areas.
Sec. 7.  This act becomes effective July 1, 1995.