A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to create a commission to study the implementation of uniform standards of ethics principles For local governments in north carolina.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Commission Established. – The Local Government Ethics Study Commission is hereby established.
SECTION 2.  Membership. – The Commission shall consist of 14 members as follows:
(1)	Three members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
(2)	Three members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(3)	The president of North Carolina Association of County Commissioners or that person's designee.
(4)	The president of the North Carolina League of Municipalities or that person's designee.
(5)	The president of the North Carolina School Boards Association or that person's designee.
(6)	The president of the North Carolina Sheriffs Association or that person's designee.
(7)	The president of the North Carolina Association of Registers of Deeds or that person's designee.
(8)	Three representatives from the public at large appointed by the Governor.
SECTION 3.  Cochairs. – The Commission shall have two cochairs, one designated by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and one designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives from among their respective appointees. The Commission shall meet upon the call of the cochairs.
SECTION 4.  Quorum. – A quorum of the Commission shall consist of eight members.
SECTION 5.  Vacancies. – Any vacancy on the Commission shall be filled by the original appointing authority.
SECTION 6.  Purpose and Duties. – The Commission shall study:
(1)	Existing criminal and civil laws related to ethical conduct of local elected officials, local appointed officials, and employees of local governments.
(2)	The prevalence of ethical codes of conduct adopted by local elected officials and the contents of those codes.
(3)	Disclosure of conflicts of interest by local elected officials, local appointed officials, and employees of local governments, including methods to accomplish public disclosure.
(4)	Whether uniform statewide standards of ethical conduct should be recommended.
(5)	Any other matters pertinent to ethical conduct of local elected officials, local appointed officials, and employees of local governments. 
SECTION 7.  Expenses of Members. – Members of the Commission shall receive per diem, subsistence, and travel allowances in accordance with G.S. 120‑3.1, 138‑5, or 138‑6, as appropriate.
SECTION 8.  Staff. – The Legislative Services Officer shall assign professional and clerical staff to the Commission to aid in its work.
SECTION 9.  Consultants. – The Commission may hire consultants to assist with the study as provided in G.S. 120‑32.02(b).
SECTION 10.  Meetings. – The Commission may meet in the Legislative Building or the Legislative Office Building upon the approval of the Legislative Services Commission.
SECTION 11.  Report. – The Commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly on or before December 31, 2008.  The Commission shall terminate on the date of the filing of its report, or December 31, 2008, whichever occurs first.
SECTION 12.  Funding. – From funds appropriated to the General Assembly, the Legislative Services Commission shall allocate funds for the purpose of conducting the study provided for in this act.
SECTION 13.  This act is effective when it becomes law.