A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds to establish the Joint Legislative commission on students and civics.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is established the Joint Legislative Commission on Students and Civics.  The Commission shall consist of 10 members, five appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and five appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
SECTION 2.  The purpose of the Commission is to develop initiatives for teaching civics by engaging students in governmental processes such as creating, discussing, and defending ideas for new laws.  Components may include:
(1)	Opportunities for students to share legislative ideas with policymakers through written testimony, public hearings, and direct interaction with State lawmakers;
(2)	Curriculum aligned with the State's framework to ensure that students gain the social studies knowledge and skills to provide a guide to prepare for interaction and hearings;
(3)	A Web site to provide information about the initiative and resources for students;
(4)	Online legislative updates for students and teachers on pertinent issues before the legislature;
(5)	Online poll questions for students; and
(6)	A speakers' bureau available to classrooms to make individuals knowledgeable about the North Carolina General Assembly and governmental processes.
SECTION 3.  The Legislative Services Commission shall assign professional and clerical staff to assist the Commission in its work. The Commission may meet at various locations around the State. The Legislative Services Commission shall grant adequate meeting space to the Commission in the State Legislative Building or Legislative Office Building. The Commission may meet during regular or extra sessions of the General Assembly, subject to approval of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
SECTION 4.  The Commission may contract for consultant services as provided by G.S. 120‑32.02.
SECTION 5.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the General Assembly the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for the 2006‑2007 fiscal year to establish the Joint Legislative Commission on Students and Civics.
SECTION 6.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2006.