A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to establish the commission to reduce littering to Study and develop alternative mechanisms to enforce littering statutes for violations that involve the operation of a motor vehicle or a vessel.
Whereas, litter diminishes the quality of the environment, contributes to water contamination, endangers wildlife, and reduces the quality of life in North Carolina; and
Whereas, cleaning litter from North Carolina's roadsides and waterways costs taxpayers millions of dollars; and
Whereas, enforcement of criminal laws for littering offenses involving the operation of a motor vehicle or a vessel has very little effect on reducing litter on the State's roads and waterways; and
Whereas, it is incumbent upon the State to develop alternative enforcement mechanisms that effectively reduce littering; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Commission Established. – The Study Commission to Reduce Littering (Commission) is hereby established.
SECTION 2.  Membership. – The Commission shall consist of 18 members as follows:
(1)	Four Senators appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
(2)	Four Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(3)	One representative from the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety.
(4)	One representative from the Administrative Office of the Courts.
(5)	One representative from the Department of Transportation.
(6)	One representative from the Department of Commerce.
(7)	One representative from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
(8)	One representative from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.
(9)	One representative from the North Carolina League of Municipalities.
(10)	One representative from the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association.
(11)	One representative from the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police.
(12)	One representative from the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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 10 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 develop alternative mechanisms to enforce littering statues for violations that involve the operation of a motor vehicle or a vessel.  As part of its work, the Commission shall also:
(1)	Collect research and information from other states and jurisdictions regarding alternative procedures to enforce littering laws.
(2)	Examine effective mechanisms that use citizen participation to detect littering violations and to initiate enforcement of littering laws.
(3)	Determine whether alternative enforcement mechanisms, such as a public nuisance, infraction, or determinations based upon affidavits can be developed to enforce littering laws.
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. – Upon the prior approval of the Legislative Services Commission, the Legislative Services Officer shall assign professional and clerical staff to the Commission to aid in its work.
SECTION 9.  Meetings. – The Commission may meet in the Legislative Building or the Legislative Office Building upon the approval of the Legislative Services Commission.
SECTION 10.  Report. – The Commission shall report its findings and recommendations no later than May 15, 2008, to the 2008 Regular Session of the 2007 General Assembly. The Commission shall terminate upon the submission of its report or upon the convening of the 2008 Regular Session of the 2007 General Assembly, which ever occurs first.
SECTION 11.  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 12.  Effective Date. – This act is effective when it becomes law.