GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2001
H	1
HOUSE BILL 1287
     

 
Short Title:	Advisory Commission on Military Affairs.	()	
Sponsors:	Representatives Baddour;  Morris, Russell, and Wainwright.	
Referred to:	Military, Veterans and Indian Affairs.	
April 12, 2001

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO CREATE THE NORTH CAROLINA ADVISORY COMMISSION ON MILITARY AFFAIRS.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The General Statutes of North Carolina are amended by adding a new Chapter to read:
"Chapter 127C.
"Advisory Commission on Military Affairs.
"§ 127C-1.     Creation of the North Carolina Advisory Commission on Military Affairs.
There is created in the Office of the Governor the North Carolina Advisory Commission on Military Affairs to advise the Governor and the Secretary of Commerce on protecting the existing military infrastructure in this State and to promote new military missions and economic opportunities for the State and its citizens.
"§ 127C-2.     Membership.
(a)	The North Carolina Advisory Commission on Military Affairs shall consist of 15 voting members appointed by the Governor, who shall serve on the Executive Committee, and eight nonvoting, ex officio members who shall serve by reason of their positions. 
(b)	The Executive Committee shall consist of:
(1)	Three representatives from the Jacksonville community.
(2)	Three representatives from the Havelock community.
(3)	Three representatives from the Goldsboro community.
(4)	Three representatives from the Fayetteville community.
(5)	Three representatives at large from across the State.
(c)	The following members shall serve ex officio:
(1)	Secretary of Commerce, or a designee.
(2)	Commanding General of Fort Bragg.
(3)	Commanding General of Camp Lejeune.
(4)	Commanding General of Cherry Point Naval Air Station.
(5)	Wing Commander of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
(6)	Wing Commander of Pope Air Force Base.
(7)	Commander of the Elizabeth City Coast Guard Station.
(8)	Adjutant General of the North Carolina National Guard.
(c)	The Executive Committee appointed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall choose a Chairman and four Vice-Chairmen from amongst its membership.
"§ 127C-3.  Executive director.
The Governor shall appoint, with the approval of the Executive Committee, an executive director for the Commission who shall serve as the administrative head of the Commission and be responsible for the operations and normal business activities of the Commission, with oversight by the Executive Committee."§ 127C-4.  Purposes.
The Commission shall have the following responsibilities and duties:
(1)	Advise the Governor and Secretary of Commerce on how to strengthen the State's relationship with the military to protect the installations of this State from the results of any future defense budget cuts or military downsizing by providing a sound infrastructure, affordable housing, and affordable educations for military members and their families, working to be viewed by national military leaders as the most military-friendly state in the nation.
(2)	 Develop a strategic plan to provide initiatives to support the long-term viability and prosperity of the military of this State that shall include, at least:
a.	A comprehensive Economic Impact Study of Military Activities in North Carolina to be conducted by the North Carolina State University Department of Economics and the East Carolina Office of Regional Development.
b.	A Strengths/Weaknesses/Opportunities/Threats (SWOT) Analysis by a professional strategic planning group on the current status of the military in North Carolina.
(3)	Study ways to improve educational opportunities for military personnel in North Carolina.
(4)	Assist in coordinating the State's interests in future activities of the Department of Defense.
(5)	Promote initiatives to improve the quality of life for military personnel in this State.
"§ 127C-5.  Expenses of the Commission.
(a)	The Governor shall include the funding requirements for the Commission in the annual budget for the Department.
(b)	Commission members shall receive per diem and travel reimbursements as provided in G.S. 138-5 and G.S. 138-6, as appropriate."
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2001.