CHAPTER 23e
AFRICAN-AMERICAN AFFAIRS COMMISSION

(a) There is established an African-American Affairs Commission. The commission shall consist of thirteen members, appointed as follows: (1) Three by the Governor, one of whom shall serve for a term of one year from July 1, 1997, and have expertise in the field of education, one of whom shall serve for a term of two years from July 1, 1997, and have expertise in the field of human services, and one of whom shall serve for a term of three years from July 1, 1997, and have expertise in the fields of small business and economic development, and each of whom thereafter shall serve for terms of three years from October first in the year of their appointment and have expertise in the field of the member's predecessor; (2) two by the president pro tempore of the Senate, one of whom shall have expertise in the field of children and youth development and one of whom shall have expertise in the field of health; (3) one by the majority leader of the Senate, who shall be a member of the public; (4) two by the minority leader of the Senate, one of whom shall have expertise in the field of environment and one of whom shall have expertise in the field of arts and culture; (5) two by the speaker of the House of Representatives, one of whom shall have expertise in the field of housing and one of whom shall have expertise in the field of public safety; (6) one by the majority leader of the House of Representatives, who shall be a member of the public; and (7) two by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, one of whom shall have expertise in the field of transportation and one of whom shall be a member of the public. All members appointed under this subsection shall have experience in the field of African-American affairs. All members appointed under subdivision (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) or (7) of this subsection shall serve for terms of two years from October first in the year of their appointment. The commission shall elect a chairperson and a vice-chairperson from among its members. Any person absent from (A) three consecutive meetings of the commission or (B) fifty per cent of such meetings during any calendar year shall be deemed to have resigned from the commission, effective immediately. Vacancies on the commission shall be filled by the appointing authority. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation but shall, within the limits of available funds, be reimbursed for expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties. The commission shall meet as often as deemed necessary by the chairperson or a majority of the commission.
(b) The commission shall:
(1) Review and comment on any proposed state legislation and regulations that would affect the African-American population in the state;
(2) Advise and provide information to the Governor on the state's policies concerning the African-American communities;
(3) Advise the Governor concerning the coordination and administration of state programs serving the African-American population;
(4) Maintain a liaison between the African-American communities and governmental entities;
(5) Encourage African-American representation at all levels of state government, including state boards and commissions;
(6) Secure appropriate recognition of the accomplishments and contributions of the African-American population of the state; and
(7) Prepare and submit to the Governor an annual report concerning its activities with any appropriate recommendations concerning the African-American population of the state.
(c) The commission may use such funds as may be available from federal, state or other sources and may enter into contracts to carry out the purposes of this section.
(d) The commission may, subject to the provisions of chapter 67, employ any necessary staff within available appropriations.
(e) The commission shall be part of the Legislative Department.
(June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-11, S. 24, 65.)
History: June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-11, effective July 1, 1997.