A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT requiring the governor to designate a state economic crisis relief Officer when economic crisis strikes the state.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  G.S. 147‑12(a) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:
"(a)	In addition to the powers and duties prescribed by the Constitution, the Governor has the powers and duties prescribed in this and the following sections:
…
(15)	To designate a State Economic Crisis Relief Officer as provided by G.S. 147‑13.2."
SECTION 2.  Chapter 147 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 147‑13.2.  Governor to designate State Economic Crisis Relief Officer during economic crisis.
(a)	The Governor shall designate a member of his or her staff to serve as the State Economic Crisis Relief Officer ('Officer') whenever the Governor declares an economic crisis. The Officer's sole responsibility during the crisis shall be coordinating the State's relief efforts to address the immediate needs of displaced workers, including, but not limited to, expediting financial and other assistance. The head of each State agency, department, and institution shall cooperate fully with the State Economic Crisis Relief Officer in the discharge of the Officer's duties.
(b)	For the purposes of this section, an 'economic crisis' exists when the Governor declares by executive order that an economic emergency resulting from plant or business closures or major reductions in force has displaced a significant number of workers in the State."
SECTION 3. This act is effective when it becomes law.