Bill Text: GA SR50 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced


Bill Title: Georgia Criminal Justice Study Commission; provide membership, duties, and operation

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 6-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2009-01-26 - Senate Read and Referred [SR50 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2009-SR50-Introduced.html
09 LC 14 9924
Senate Resolution 50
By: Senators Jackson of the 24th, Williams of the 19th, Rogers of the 21st, Cowsert of the 46th, Goggans of the 7th and others

A RESOLUTION


To create the Georgia Criminal Justice Study Commission; to provide for the membership, duties, and operation of the commission; to provide for related matters; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia faces a number of critical issues relating to the criminal justice system, including but by no means limited to disparate treatment of similar offenses in different areas of the state; and

WHEREAS, nothing is more important to protecting the fabric of society than efficient and appropriate enforcement of the criminal laws; and

WHEREAS, there exists a need for a thorough examination of our current system and the methodical development of improvement initiatives.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that there is created the Georgia Criminal Justice Study Commission to be composed of 21 members, five members to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, five members to be appointed by the President of the Senate, five members to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and six members to be appointed by the Governor. The Governor shall designate one of his appointees to serve as chair of the commission. The commission shall meet at the call of the chair. In making appointments to the commission, the appointing officers are urged to ensure appropriate representation from the public at large as well as all professions and fields involved in or knowledgeable about the criminal justice system, including but not limited to the judiciary, prosecutors, the defense bar, law enforcement, and corrections.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the commission shall undertake a study of the issues described above and recommend any actions or legislation which the commission deems necessary or appropriate. The commission may conduct such meetings and hearings at such places and at such times as it may deem necessary or convenient to enable it to exercise fully and effectively its powers, perform its duties, and accomplish the objectives and purposes of this resolution. The members of the commission, including any legislative members, shall serve without compensation or expense reimbursement. The commission shall make a report of its findings and recommendations, with suggestions for proposed legislation, on or before January 1, 2012. The commission shall stand abolished on June 30, 2012, unless extended by subsequent resolution of the General Assembly.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all officers and agencies of the three branches of state government are directed to provide all appropriate information and assistance as requested by the commission. The commission may retain expert assistance as may be necessary or appropriate for its purposes, provided that any expenditure for such purposes must have the prior approval of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
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