11 LC
21 0936
House
Bill 28
By:
Representatives Heard of the
114th,
Hugley of the
133rd,
and Smyre of the
132nd
A
BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To
amend Chapter 8 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating
to the Department of Community Affairs, so as to create the Martin Luther King,
Jr. Advisory Council; to provide for membership on the commission; to provide
for terms and duties of members; to provide for an annual report; to provide for
related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws;
and for other purposes.
BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION
1.
Chapter
8 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
Department of Community Affairs, is amended by adding a new article to read as
follows:
"ARTICLE
10
50-8-240.
(a)
There is created within the Department of Community Affairs the Martin Luther
King, Jr. Advisory Council.
(b)
The council shall consist of nine members as follows:
(1)
The commissioner of community affairs or his or her designee;
(2)
Six members to be appointed by the Governor, two of whom shall be between the
ages of 18 and 22 years;
(3)
One member to be appointed by the President of the Senate; and
(4)
One member to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of
Representatives.
(c)
Members shall serve four-year terms. No member of the council shall serve more
than two consecutive terms.
(d)
Vacancies in the membership of the council shall be filled for the balance of
the unexpired term by the appointing authority.
(e)
The council shall select annually a chairperson from among its
membership.
(f)
Members of the council shall be subject to removal from office by the appointing
authority when the actions or condition of a member shall be considered as good
cause for removal.
(g)
A majority of the council shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business.
(h)
Members of the council shall serve without compensation but, to the extent
moneys are appropriated therefor, shall be eligible to receive reimbursement for
mileage and other expenses actually incurred in performance of their duties in
accordance with the rates and standards for reimbursement of state
employees.
50-8-241.
The
Martin Luther King, Jr. Advisory Council shall have the following
duties:
(1)
To promote racial harmony, understanding, respect, and good will among all
citizens;
(2)
To promote principles of nonviolence, peace, and social justice;
(3)
To promote among the people of Georgia, by appropriate activities, both
awareness and appreciation of the Civil Rights movement and advocacy of the
principles and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.;
(4)
To develop, coordinate, and advise the state of appropriate ceremonies and
activities relating to the observance of the birthday of Martin Luther King,
Jr., including, without limitation, providing advice and assistance to local
governments and private organizations;
(5)
To enable the people of Georgia to reflect on the life and teachings of Martin
Luther King, Jr., through educational endeavors, cultural performances,
exhibitions, and events that are multiethnic and family oriented;
and
(6)
To prepare an annual report for the Governor and the General Assembly detailing
the actions taken to fulfill these responsibilities and duties.
50-8-242.
To
the extent moneys are appropriated therefor, the council may employ staff and
consultants and fix their compensation, duties, authority, and
responsibilities."
SECTION
2.
This
Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its
becoming law without such approval.
SECTION
3.
All
laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.