WWI CENTENNIAL COMMISSION                                                                     S.B. 670:

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 670 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Senator Rebekah Warren

Committee:  Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security

CONTENT

The bill would create the "World War I Centennial Commission Act" to do the following:

-- Create the World War I Centennial Commission within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and provide for its membership and procedures.

-- Require the Commission to plan programs and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I.

-- Require the Commission to encourage private organizations and State and local governments to organize and participate in the activities.

-- Require the Commission to report to certain State officials on its recommendations.

-- Require the Department to assist the Commission.

The Commission would have to do all of the following:

-- Plan, develop, and execute programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I.

-- Encourage private organizations and State and local governments to organize and participate in activities organized by the Commission.

-- Facilitate and coordinate World War I centennial activities throughout the State.

-- Serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information about World War I centennial events and plans.

-- Develop recommendations on ways to commemorate the centennial of World War I in Michigan and provide a report on those recommendations to the Department Director, Governor, and Legislature.

The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.

                                                                            Legislative Analyst:  Patrick Affholter

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on State government. It would permit expense reimbursement for members of the proposed Commission and would require the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to assist the Commission in the carrying out of its duties. The bill, however, proposes no appropriations to fund these provisions. Should the bill be enacted, it is likely that the cost to the Department would be minimal, depending upon how active the Commission became.

The bill would have no fiscal impact on local government.

Date Completed:  5-31-16                                                     Fiscal Analyst:  Bruce Baker

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.