WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL COMMISSION
Senate Bill 248 (Proposed H-2, Draft 1, Substitute)
Sponsor: Sen. Rebekah Warren
House Committee: Military and Veterans Affairs
Senate Committee: Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security
Complete to 5-26-17
SUMMARY:
Senate Bill 248 would enact the "World War I Centennial Commission Act" to create a new commission within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). The commission do all of the following:
· Plan, develop, and execute programs and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I. (Note: 2017 marks the centennial of U.S. entry into the war, which endured from 1914–1918.)
· Encourage private organizations and state and local governments to organize and participate in the activities organized by the commission.
· Facilitate and coordinate World War I centennial activities throughout the state.
· Serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information about World War I centennial events and plans.
· Develop recommendations on ways to commemorate the World War I centennial and provide a report of recommendations to the DMVA director, the Governor and the Legislature.
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs would be required to assist the Commission in carrying out its duties.
WWI Centennial Commission
The Commission would consist of the DMVA Director and 13 members, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The initial members would have to be appointed within 90 days after the effective date of the act. The Governor could remove a member for incompetence; dereliction of duty; malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance in office; or any other good cause.
The Commission's first meeting would have to be called by the department director. At that meeting, the Commission would have to elect a chairperson and other officers it considered necessary or appropriate. The Commission would then have to meet at least quarterly, or more frequently at the call of the chairperson or if requested by seven or more members.
The Commission would be subject to the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act.
Members of the Commission would serve without compensation, but could be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.
The bill would take effect 90 days after being enacted into law, and would be repealed December 31, 2018.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This bill would have a minor fiscal impact on the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Members of the World War I Centennial Commission would not be compensated for their work; however, the department would be required to pay for any necessary costs of performing their duties as described in this bill. These costs could include travel expenses and other incidentals.
Fiscal Analyst: Kent Dell
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.