A HOUSE RESOLUTION to create a north carolina house of representatives select committee on homelessness.
Whereas, homelessness affects many citizens of this State and continues to exist unabated in our communities; and
Whereas, homelessness affects both rural and urban populations in varying degrees; and
Whereas, homelessness affects already vulnerable populations in this State and requires State action to address a growing epidemic; and
Whereas, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) estimates that 9,268 citizens of this State experience homelessness on any given day; and
Whereas, USICH estimates 897 family households in this State experience homelessness on any given day; and
Whereas, USICH estimates 884 veterans in this State experience homelessness on any given day; and
Whereas, public school data reported to the United States Department of Education estimates that 26,361 public school students experienced homelessness over the course of the 2016‑2017 school year; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.(a)  The House Select Committee on Homelessness (Committee) is created. The purpose of the Committee is to examine homelessness and make recommendations to reduce homelessness in this State. The Committee shall consist of 21 members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall appoint a chair from among the membership. The chair shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed by the Speaker. Vacancies on the Committee shall be filled by the Speaker. The Committee shall meet upon the call of the chair. The Committee may meet during the interim period between sessions or recesses of the General Assembly in accordance with G.S. 120‑19.6(a) to study and review homelessness. A quorum of the Committee shall be a majority of the Committee members. The Committee shall study:
(1)	Different methods to address rural and urban homelessness.
(2)	The impact of homelessness in rural and urban areas.
(3)	Direct causes of homelessness, including unemployment, affordable housing, poverty, familial disruption, substance abuse, mental health, and any other issue the Committee deems appropriate.
(4)	Any other matters the Committee deems relevant to their efforts.
The Committee may consult with public schools, local governments, community colleges, and constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina on processes, procedures, data, and current resources that have proven to be useful in determining needs in each of their respective populations. The Committee may seek information from experts in the fields of education, veterans affairs, mental health, crisis management, and any others deemed appropriate by the chair. The Committee may study any other issue deemed relevant by the chair to the charge of the Committee.
SECTION 1.(b)  The Committee, while in the discharge of its official duties, may exercise all powers provided for under G.S. 120‑19 and Article 5A of Chapter 120 of the General Statutes. The Committee may meet in the Legislative Building or the Legislative Office Building. Members of the Committee shall receive subsistence and travel expenses at the rates set forth in G.S. 120‑3.1. The expenses of the Committee shall be paid upon the written approval of the Speaker of the House of Representatives pursuant to G.S. 120‑32.02(c) and G.S. 120‑35 from funds available to the House of Representatives for its operation.
SECTION 1.(c)  The Legislative Services Commission, through the Legislative Services Officer, shall assign professional staff to assist the Committee in its work. The Director of Legislative Assistants of the House of Representatives shall assign clerical support to the Task Force. The Committee may contract for professional, clerical, or consultant services, as provided by G.S. 120‑32.02.
SECTION 1.(d)  The Committee shall make a preliminary report containing findings and recommendations to the members of the General Assembly by May 1, 2020. The Committee shall provide a final report on the results of its study, including any proposed legislation, to the members of the General Assembly by December 1, 2020.
SECTION 2.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.