WWI CENTENNIAL COMMISSION S.B. 670:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 670 (as introduced 12-15-15)
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, 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 of Military and Veterans Affairs to assist the Commission.
The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.
WWI Centennial Commission
The World War I Centennial Commission would be created within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). The Commission would consist of the DMVA Director and 13 members, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The initial members would have to be appointed within 90 days after the Act's effective date. The Governor could remove a member for incompetence; dereliction of duty; malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance in office; or any other good cause.
The Commission's first meeting would have to be called by the DMVA Director. At that meeting, the Commission would have to elect a chairperson and other officers it considered necessary or appropriate. The Commission then would have to meet at least quarterly, or more frequently at the call of the chairperson or if requested by seven or more members.
The Commission would be subject to the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act.
Members of the Commission would serve without compensation, but could be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.
Commission Duties & Responsibilities
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 DMVA Director, Governor, and Legislature.
The DMVA would have to assist the Commission in carrying out its duties under the proposed Act.
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.
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.