A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to establish the 2018 blackbeard anniversary committee and to appropriate funds to support the activities of the committee.
Whereas, the famous pirate Edward Thatch or Teach, also known as Blackbeard, established homes in Bath and on Ocracoke Island, died in a battle near Ocracoke Island, and, as a result, has become an integral part of the history of the State of North Carolina; and
Whereas, an early 18th century shipwreck discovered near Beaufort Inlet in Carteret County is believed to be Blackbeard's flagship, Queen Anne's Revenge; and
Whereas, 2018 marks the 300th anniversary of Blackbeard's arrival and death in North Carolina; and
Whereas, this anniversary has a unique opportunity to economically benefit many eastern North Carolina counties and the State; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Article 2 of Chapter 143B of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new Part to read:
"Part 31.  2018 Blackbeard Anniversary Committee.
"§ 143B‑135.10.  Blackbeard Anniversary Committee established.
(a)	Creation and Purpose. – There is established the 2018 Blackbeard Anniversary Committee. The Committee shall be located within the Department of Cultural Resources. The purpose of the Committee shall be to ensure that organization, planning, and management of the 300th anniversary of Blackbeard's 1718 arrival and death in North Carolina is inclusive of relevant geographic sites at Bath, Beaufort, and Ocracoke; that interpretation, publicity, and reenacted events are historically accurate; and that public and private funding is fairly and proportionately distributed among Beaufort, Hyde, and Carteret Counties.
(b)	Composition and Terms. – The Committee shall consist of nine members, each of whom shall serve a two‑year term. Committee members shall be appointed on or before September 1, 2010, as follows:
(1)	The President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall appoint one member.
(2)	The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint one member.
(3)	The Governor shall appoint one member.
(4)	The Board of County Commissioners for Beaufort, Carteret, and Hyde Counties shall each appoint two members.
(c)	Vacancies. – A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. Appointees to fill vacancies shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term and until their successors have been duly appointed and qualified.
(d)	Removal. – The Committee may remove any of its members for neglect of duty, incompetence, or unprofessional conduct. A member subject to disciplinary proceedings shall be disqualified from participating in the official business of the Committee until the charges have been resolved.
(e)	Officers. – The Commission shall elect from its membership a chair, vice‑chair, and other officers deemed necessary by the Commission to carry out the purposes of this Part. All officers shall serve for two‑year terms and shall serve until their successors are elected and qualified.
(f)	Meetings; Quorum; Termination. – The Committee shall meet at least quarterly to conduct business as authorized in subsection (a) of this section. A majority of Committee members shall constitute a quorum. The Committee shall terminate December 31, 2018.
(g)	Compensation. – Members of the Committee shall not receive per diem or reimbursement for travel or subsistence.
(h)	Staff. – Administrative and staff services for the Committee shall be provided by the Office of Archives and History, Department of Cultural Resources, which shall also provide the Committee with information in its possession relating to past research concerning the origins and early life of the pirate known as Blackbeard."
SECTION 2.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Cultural Resources the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for the 2010‑2011 fiscal year to support the activities of the Committee established in Section 1 of this act.
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2010.