WWI CENTENNIAL COMMISSION                                                                     S.B. 248:

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 248 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Senator Rebekah Warren

Committee:  Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security

CONTENT

The bill would enact the "World War I Centennial Commission Act" to do the following:

-- Create the World War I Centennial Commission within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

-- Provide for the Commission's membership, procedures, and responsibilities.

-- Require the Department to assist the Commission.

The Commission would have to do all of the following:

-- Plan, develop, and execute programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I.

-- Encourage private organizations and State and local governments to organize and participate in 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 centennial of World War I in Michigan and provide a report on those recommendations to the Department Director, Governor, and Legislature.

                                                                            Legislative Analyst:  Patrick Affholter

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have an indeterminate, but minor, fiscal impact on the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The proposed 14-member Commission would serve without compensation, but members could receive reimbursements for expenses incurred in that capacity. The bill also would require the Department to assist the Commission in carrying out their duties, a function that would involve some employee time and supplies, which could be assumed by the Department's existing resources.

The bill would have no fiscal impact on local government.

Date Completed:  3-24-17                                                     Fiscal Analyst:  Bruce Baker

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.