A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to create the zoological park funding and organization study commission.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Commission Established. – The Zoological Park Funding and Organization Commission is hereby established.
SECTION 2.  Membership. –The Commission shall consist of 18 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 Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, or the Secretary's designee. 
(4)	The Director of the Zoological Park, or the Director's designee.
(5)	The Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary's designee.
(6)	The Executive Director of the Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development of the Department of Commerce, or the Executive Director's designee.
(7)	The Chair of the Zoo Society Board, or the Chair's designee.
(8)	Two additional representatives of the Zoo Society Board, who may be comprised of current or former members, appointed by the Chair of the Zoo Society Board.
(9)	A representative from another major zoological park located in the United States, appointed by the Director of the Zoological Park in consultation with the Chair of the Zoo Society Board.
(10)	The Chair of the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County, or the Chair's designee. 
(11)	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 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 study (i) funding issues associated with the Zoological Park, including current and expected capital and operational needs, current sources of revenue, and potential funding mechanisms, such as issuance of tax‑exempt bonds; and (ii) the current organizational structure of the Zoological Park, and other potential organizational structures, including, but not limited to, reorganization as an authority, as a private nonprofit corporation, or other entity to determine which organizational structure would most effectively achieve the mission of the Zoological Park.
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 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 and the Environmental Review Commission on or before 1 March 2008, at which time the Commission shall terminate.
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.  Effective Date. – This act is effective when it becomes law.