A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT authorizing a joint legislative study commission on day care and related programs and appropriating funds for that purpose.
Whereas, the Day Care Subsidy Program is important to the well‑being of children across the State because it:
(1)	Provides opportunities for adequate day care to families who would otherwise be unable to afford it.
(2)	Provides a safety net for those children in child protective supervision.
(3)	Provides employment opportunities.
(4)	Supports economic development.
(5)	Transitions families from welfare dependency to independence.
(6)	Provides opportunities for early childhood education.
Whereas, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development, reports that (i) in 2006 the State has used $20 million in "one‑time funds" with another $15‑$17 million needed to sustain current enrollment of children to preclude a significant number of terminations and (ii) the current funding level is at one‑third of the amount needed, and there are advocates for a market rate increase costing $20 million; and
Whereas, it is in the best interests of the State to establish a joint legislative study commission to study issues pertinent to day care, subsidies, and related programs;
Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.(a)  There is created the Legislative Study Commission on Day Care and Related Programs ("Commission").  The Commission shall consist of 12 members appointed as follows:
(1)	Six members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to include:
a.	Four members of the House of Representatives.
b.	Two members of the general public.
(2)	Six members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, to include:
a.	Four members of the Senate.
b.	Two members of the general public.
SECTION 1.(b)  The Commission shall:
(1)	Assess the shortfalls and benefits of the various day care and related programs.
(2)	Consider needed adjustments, and possible program consolidations, and the necessary reprioritization of funds to realize the maximum benefit to the State's children and families.
(3)	Consider how day care and related programs affect economic development today and in the future.
(4)	Review any other matter that the Commission finds relevant to its charge.
The Commission shall report to the 2007 General Assembly. The report shall include findings, recommendations, and legislative proposals. The Commission shall terminate upon filing its final report.
SECTION 2.  The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall each appoint a cochair for the Commission. The Commission may contract for consultant services as provided by G.S. 120‑32.02. Upon 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 the House of Representatives and the Senate Directors of Legislative Assistants. The Commission may meet in the Legislative Building or the Legislative Office Building upon the approval of the Legislative Services Commission. Members of the Commission shall receive per diem, subsistence, and travel allowances at the rate established in G.S. 120‑3.1. The appointing authority shall fill vacancies. The Commission, while in the discharge of its official duties, may exercise all the powers provided under the provisions of G.S. 120‑19 through G.S. 120‑19.4, including the power to request all officers, agents, agencies, and departments of the State to provide any information, data, or documents within their possession, ascertainable from their records, or otherwise available to them and the power to subpoena witnesses.
SECTION 3.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the General Assembly the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for the 2006‑2007 fiscal year to fund the work of the Commission created by this act.
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2006.