A HOUSE resolution establishing a house task force to review and resolve the conflict in north carolina law over the recovery of costs in a civil case.
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  A House of Representatives Task Force on the Recovery of Costs in Civil Cases is established to review and recommend a resolution to the conflict in North Carolina law regarding the recovery of costs in a civil case. Specifically, the Task Force on the Recovery of Costs in Civil Cases shall study the conflict that exists between G.S. 6‑20 and G.S. 7A‑305, and the appellate cases interpreting those statutes, and recommend revisions to one or both statutes to resolve that conflict.
SECTION 2.  The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint to serve on the Task Force six members of the House of Representatives and three public members: one member of the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, one member of the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys, and one member of the North Carolina Bar Association. The Speaker shall appoint a chair from the Task Force membership.
SECTION 3.  The Task Force shall meet upon the call of its chair. A quorum of the Committee shall be a majority of its members.
SECTION 4. The Task Force, while in discharge of its official duties, may exercise all powers provided for under G.S. 120‑19 and Article 5A of Chapter 120 of the General Statutes. The Task Force may contract for professional, clerical, or consultant services as provided by G.S. 120‑32.02.
SECTION 5.  Members of the Task Force shall receive per diem, subsistence, and travel allowance as provided in G.S. 120‑3.1, 138‑5, or 138‑6, as appropriate.
SECTION 6.  The expenses of the Task Force, including per diem, subsistence, and travel allowances for Task Force members, and contracts for professional or consultant services shall be paid upon the written approval of the Speaker of the House of Representatives pursuant to G.S. 120‑32.02(c) and G.S. 120‑35 from funds available to the House of Representatives for its operations. Individual expenses of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or less, including per diem, travel, and subsistence expenses of members of the Task Force and clerical expenses shall be paid upon the authorization of a cochair of the Task Force.  Individual expenses in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000) shall be paid upon the written approval of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
SECTION 7.  The Legislative Services Officer should assign professional and clerical staff to assist the Task Force in its work.  The Director of Legislative Assistants of the House of Representatives shall assign clerical support staff to the Task Force.
SECTION 8.  The Task Force may meet at various locations around the State to promote greater public participation in its deliberations.  The Legislative Services Commission should grant adequate meeting space to the Task Force in the State Legislative Building or the Legislative Office Building. 
SECTION 9.  The Task Force shall report the results of its review and its recommended resolution to the conflict to the Speaker of the House of Representatives by December 31, 2006.
SECTION 10.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.