A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT creating the Study Commission on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Innovation and Community Collaboration.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Commission Established. – There is created the Study Commission on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Innovation and Community Collaboration (STEM) to study and recommend the development of a framework for assessment of readiness of a community or region to support 21st century economic demands of business and industry development and the scaling of innovative local programs to impact broader numbers of individuals in communities around the State.
SECTION 2.  Membership. – The Commission shall consist of 24 members, appointed as follows:
(1)	Three members appointed by the Governor.
(2)	Ten members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to include:
a.	Four members of the House of Representatives.
b.	A representative from the Community College System.
c.	A representative of the Independent Colleges and Universities.
d.	A representative from the Department of Commerce.
e.	A representative of North Carolina's business and industry.
f.	A representative of North Carolina's school superintendents.
(3)	Ten members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, to include:
a.	Four members of the Senate.
b.	A representative from The University of North Carolina System.
c.	A representative of the Department of Public Instruction.
d.	A representative of North Carolina's business and industry.
e.	A teacher representative.
f.	An individual with expertise in STEM education.
(4)	The Executive Director of the Education Cabinet or the Executive Director's designee, serving ex officio.
SECTION 3.  Cochairs. – The Commission shall have two cochairs, one designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and one designated by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate from among their respective appointees. The Commission shall meet upon the call of the cochairs.
SECTION 4.  Quorum. – A quorum of the Commission shall consist of 13 members.
SECTION 5.  Vacancies. – Any vacancy on the Commission shall be filled by the original appointing authority.
SECTION 6.  Purpose and duties. – The Study Commission shall study issues related to economic growth by the creation of measures and metrics which define the readiness of a community to deliver, to all stakeholders, the services that equip the workforce to be competitive in a STEM-intensive economy, including ensuring students throughout the education pipeline gain the skills learned from science, technology, engineering, math, and other rigorous subjects.
As a part of its study, the Commission may examine issues related to:
(1)	A replicable model for aligning efforts of local business, industry, policy, and education stakeholders in community engagement for visioning student‑centered learning.
(2)	The documenting and study of the innovative education programs critical for communities to be competitive in the STEM environment in the 21st century.
(3)	A framework to network these regions, aligning State, regional, and external investment in replicable innovation.
(4)	Any other topics deemed relevant by the Commission.
SECTION 7.  Expenses of members. – Members of the Commission shall receive per diem, subsistence, and travel allowances in accordance with G.S. 120‑3.1, 138‑5, or 138‑6, as appropriate.
SECTION 8.  Staff. – Upon the prior approval of the Legislative Services Commission, the Legislative Services Officer shall assign professional and clerical staff to the Commission to aid in its work.
SECTION 9.  Meetings. – The Commission may meet in the Legislative Building or the Legislative Office Building upon the approval of the Legislative Services Commission.
SECTION 10.  Report. – The Commission shall make a final report, including any proposed legislation, to the 2010 Session of the General Assembly upon its convening. The Commission shall terminate upon filing its final report or upon the convening of the 2010 Session of the General Assembly, whichever is earlier.
SECTION 11.  Funding. – From funds appropriated to the General Assembly, the Legislative Services Commission shall allocate funds for the purpose of conducting the study provided for in this act.
SECTION 12.  Effective date. – This act becomes effective July 1, 2009.