Legislative commissions and non-standing committees and interim studies

              2011-2012
LEGISLATIVE COMMISSIONS
NON-STANDING COMMITTEES
INTERIM STUDIES
RESEARCH DIVISION
LEGISLATIVE SERVICES OFFICE
NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
545 LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING
300 N. SALISBURY STREET
RALEIGH, NC 27603-5925
2011-2012 Edition [May 2012]PREFACE
For ease of use this publication is divided into two parts, ‘Studies and Reports’, and
‘Study Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces’. Each part is color coded to assist the user. Part I, printed on yellow paper, is ‘Studies and Reports’. This is a subject listing of each of the studies and reports authorized or undertaken by the 2011 General Assembly, or that are due during 2011-2012 biennium. Entries are arranged by subject, or study title, and include: references to the legal authority of the study or report; the commission,
committee, task force or agency from which the report is due; when the report is due; and
to whom it is to be made. A contact name is provided for agencies and statutory commissions when available. Legislative committee or commission contact information
can be found in Part II under the listing for that committee.
Part II, printed on green paper, is ‘Study Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces’. This is an alphabetical listing by title of each commission, committee, or task
force directed or authorized to conduct the study listed in the first (yellow) part of this publication. Each entry includes: the establishing legal authority; reporting requirements when applicable; scope of duties; additional studies assigned or referred; and, for legislative commissions and committees, the membership appointed to date along with their names, addresses and telephone numbers, and committee staff and their telephone numbers.
A comprehensive index is provided for additional access points.
NOTE: Please be aware that, when possible, the 'Scope' of a study given is the complete text from the bill or document creating the study, however, for studies having a long or detailed description the ‘scope’ may only represent a summary of the study's purpose. Please consult the authority given for the official language.
The Editor.i
Table of Contents
PART I : STUDIES & REPORTS BY SUBJECT ....................................................................................................1
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT ................................................................................................................................. 1
AGRICULTURAL REGULATIONS ....................................................................................................................... 1
AIR SERVICES CONSOLIDATION ...................................................................................................................... 1
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL SYSTEM ..................................................................................................... 2
ARTS EDUCATION .......................................................................................................................................... 2
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE MODERNIZATION ................................................................................................ 2
AVIATION MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY .......................................................................................................... 2
BANKING LAWS MODERNIZATION ................................................................................................................. 3
BARRIERS TO HOME CARE SERVICES IN CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES ............................ 3
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS SERVICES BY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS ....................................... 3
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS OF MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES .................................................................. 3
BODY MASS INDEX SCREENING OF CHILDREN AT RISK OF BECOMING OBESE AND
DEVELOPING DIABETES OR OTHER CHRONIC DISEASES, WHO ARE RECEIVING
MEDICAID OR PARTICIPATING IN THE NORTH CAROLINA HEALTH CHOICE FOR
CHILDREN PROGRAM FEASIBILITY ....................................................................................................... 4
CAPITAL NEEDS LONG-TERM PLANNING ADEQUACY ..................................................................................... 4
CENTER FOR PUBLIC TELEVISION CONTINUATION REVIEW ............................................................................ 4
CENTRALIZED HUMAN RESOURCES FOR COUNCIL OF STATE OFFICES ........................................................... 5
CERTIFICATE OF NEED PROCESS AND RELATED HOSPITAL ISSUES .................................................................. 5
CHILDHOOD OBESITY .................................................................................................................................... 5
CHILDHOOD OBESITY (HOUSE) ....................................................................................................................... 6
CONSOLIDATED ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION ......................................................................................... 6
COOPERATIVE INNOVATIVE HIGH SCHOOLS FISCAL IMPACT ......................................................................... 6
COSTS OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO AGENCIES IN
THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ...................................................................................................... 6
CREDIT CARD CONTRACTS .............................................................................................................................. 7
CRIMINAL INFORMATION DATABASE ............................................................................................................ 7
CRIMINAL RECORD EXPUNCTIONS ................................................................................................................. 7
CTS CONTAMINATION SITE ............................................................................................................................ 8
COMMUNITY COLLEGE PERFORMANCE MEASURES ...................................................................................... 8
CUSTODIAN OF COURT RECORDS DESIGNATION ........................................................................................... 8
DEEPWATER HORIZON LEAK IMPACT ............................................................................................................. 8
DENTAL SERVICES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS POPULATION .................................................................................... 9
DENTISTRY MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENT LIMITS ...................................................................................... 9
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REGULATORY FUNCTIONS .............................................. 9
DIABETES PREVENTION AND AWARENESS ................................................................................................... 10
DIVERSITY IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ............................................................................................................. 10
DRIVERS EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................... 10
DROPOUT PREVENTION AND HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION ......................................................................... 11
DROPOUT PREVENTION GRANT IMPACT EVALUATION ................................................................................ 11
DROPOUT PREVENTION GRANTS-STATEWIDE MODELS FOR PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS ...................... 11
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT ......................................................................................... 12
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION INITIATIVES COST, QUALITY, OUTCOMES ................................................. 12
ECONOMIC INTEREST STATEMENT AND REGULATION OF CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS ............................. 12
EDUCATION REFORM .................................................................................................................................. 12
EFFICIENCIES IN STATE GOVERNMENT ......................................................................................................... 13
ELECTIONS, ETHICS, AND LOBBYING REGISTRATION FUNCTIONS CONSOLIDATION .................................... 13
ELECTRICITY SALE BY THIRD PARTY .............................................................................................................. 13 ii
ELECTRONIC FILING OF CERTAIN REPORTS ................................................................................................... 13
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE ............................................................................................. 14
EMERGENCY SERVICE ACCESS TO CERTAIN PROPERTY ................................................................................ 14
EMISSIONS INSPECTION EXEMPTIONS ......................................................................................................... 14
END-OF-LIFE MEDICAL CARE ISSUES ............................................................................................................. 15
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND ALTERNATIVE FUELS ..................................................................................... 15
ENERGY POLICY ISSUES ............................................................................................................................... 15
E-PROCUREMENT ........................................................................................................................................ 16
EXEMPTING WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION AND MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION
FROM THE LEGISLATIVE DISAPPROVAL PROCESS............................................................................... 16
EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION ............................................................................................................... 16
FORCED COMBINATIONS OF CORPORATE RETURNS .................................................................................... 16
FOX AND COYOTE POPULATIONS ................................................................................................................. 17
FRAUD AGAINST OLDER ADULTS .................................................................................................................. 17
FULL-COLOR SPECIAL PLATES ....................................................................................................................... 17
GLOBAL TRANSPARK AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................. 18
GLOBAL TRANSPARK AUTHORITY TRANSFER/CONSOLIDATION .................................................................. 18
GOVERNANCE AND ADEQUACY OF INVESTMENT AUTHORITY OF VARIOUS
STATE-OWNED FUNDS ....................................................................................................................... 18
HEALTH INSURANCE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT EVALUATION .................................................................. 18
HIGHWAY PATROL SPECIAL EVENT TRAFFIC CONTROL FEE .......................................................................... 19
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS .................................................................................................................... 19
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION AND THE CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION OF THE OFFICE OF
ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS DUTIES AND SERVICES ......................................................................... 19
IMMIGRATION POLICY ................................................................................................................................ 20
INACTIVE HAZARDOUS SITE ASSESSING/REMEDIATION COSTS ................................................................... 20
INCAPACITY TO PROCEED ............................................................................................................................. 20
INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES DEMAND REDUCTION STRATEGIES .............................................................. 20
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS EVALUATION ........................................................................... 21
INFRACTIONS AND WAIVABLE OFFENSES .................................................................................................... 21
IN-HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR YOUTH ............................................. 21
INMATE MEDICAL COST CONTAINMENT IMPACT ........................................................................................ 22
INTERBASIN TRANSFERS ............................................................................................................................... 22
JOINING OUR BUSINESSES AND SCHOOLS (JOBS) ......................................................................................... 22
JUDICIAL AND PROSECUTORIAL DISTRICTS CONSOLIDATION ...................................................................... 22
LEGACY COSTS FOR THE STATES OBLIGATIONS FOR PENSIONS, RETIREE HEALTH
BENEFITS, STATE HEALTH PLAN, AND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS ................................................... 23
LIFE CYCLE COST ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................................... 23
LITERACY AND REMEDIAL/DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION REDUCTION ...................................................... 23
LITTER PICKUP REIMBURSEMENT FOR DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION ....................................................... 24
MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT PRISON FACILITIES .......................................................................................... 24
MAKE MANUFACTURE WHILE USING STOLEN IT AN UNFAIR ACT ................................................................ 24
MARINE FISHERIES ...................................................................................................................................... 24
MASS TRANSIT FUNDING ............................................................................................................................. 25
MECHANICS LIEN ON REAL PROPERTY ......................................................................................................... 25
MEDIATION SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES EVALUATION .............................................................................. 25
MEDICAID COST SAVINGS FROM PROVISION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH SERVICES ............................ 25
MEDICAID PROVIDER RATES ........................................................................................................................ 26
MEDICAID RECIPIENT APPEALS .................................................................................................................... 26
METHAMPHETAMINE ABUSE ....................................................................................................................... 26
METHAMPHETAMINE LAB PREVENTION ACT EFFECTIVENESS ..................................................................... 27
METROPOLITAN SEWAGE/WATER SYSTEM ................................................................................................. 27
MILITARY AFFAIRS ....................................................................................................................................... 27
MISDEMEANOR RECLASSIFICATION ............................................................................................................. 27 iii
MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION CONTRACTS ............................................................................................... 28
MUNICIPAL POWER AGENCY RELIEF ............................................................................................................ 28
NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR PRINCIPALS .................................................................. 28
NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID TRACKING ....................................................................................................... 29
NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AND THEIR FAMILIES .......................................... 29
NONADMITTED INSURER INTERSTATE AGREEMENT TAX REVENUE IMPACT ............................................... 30
NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD ....................................................................................................................... 30
OFFSHORE EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION RULES ................................................................................... 30
OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION ISSUES ............................................................................................................. 30
ON-SITE SUBSURFACE WASTEWATER SYSTEM PERMITS .............................................................................. 31
ORDERLY AND EXPEDITIOUS REMOVAL BY LANDLORD OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OF DECEASED ................ 31
PASSENGER AND NON-PASSENGER MOTOR FLEET ...................................................................................... 31
PRISON MAINTENANCE CONTRACTING ....................................................................................................... 32
PROBATION/PAROLE OFFICER WORKLOAD ................................................................................................. 32
PROPERTY INSURANCE RATE MAKING ......................................................................................................... 32
PROSECUTORIAL SERVICES OFFICE FEASIBILITY ........................................................................................... 33
PROSECUTORS’ OFFICES COSTS .................................................................................................................... 33
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS REFORM .................................................................................. 33
PUBLIC FUNDING OF COUNCIL OF STATE ELECTIONS ................................................................................... 34
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS .................................................................................................................. 34
PUBLIC SCHOOL AND PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES UTILIZATION REVIEW .......................................................... 34
PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULAS ........................................................................................................ 34
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN CAPITAL CASES ................................................................................................ 35
RECLAIMED WATER ISSUES .......................................................................................................................... 35
REGISTER OF DEED FEES SIMPLIFICATION .................................................................................................... 35
REQUIREMENTS OF HEARINGS UNDER APA ARTICLE 3A .............................................................................. 36
RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS AND STATE EMPLOYEES ................................................................. 36
RETITLING OF MANUFACTURED HOMES REMOVED FROM PROPERTY ........................................................ 36
SCHOOL YEAR CURRENT LENGTH ................................................................................................................. 36
STATE ATTRACTIONS ADMINISTRATION ...................................................................................................... 37
STATE FUNDED STUDENT FINANCIAL AID .................................................................................................... 37
STATE FUNDED STUDENT FINANCIAL AID .................................................................................................... 37
STATE GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION..................................................................................................... 38
STATE-OWNED ASSETS ................................................................................................................................ 38
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FOR AIRPORTS ............................................................................................ 38
SUBSTANCE ABUSE OF PARENTS IMPACT ON CHILDREN ............................................................................. 38
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES ...................................................................................................................... 39
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS PROGRAM ............................................................................ 39
TEEN DRIVING FATALITIES ............................................................................................................................ 39
TORNADO DAMAGE RESPONSE ................................................................................................................... 40
TRANSIT SYSTEMS REGIONAL CONSOLIDATION ........................................................................................... 40
TRANSPORTATION FUNDING DEBT AFFORDABILITY .................................................................................... 40
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY CARE FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL ...................................................................... 40
UNC FACULTY RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION ........................................................................................... 41
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TAX STRUCTURE .......................................................................................... 41
WADING POOL FENCE ................................................................................................................................. 42
WATER SUPPLY LAWS .................................................................................................................................. 42
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION LAND CLASSIFICATION IMPACT .......................................................................... 42
PART II : STUDY COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES, AND TASK FORCES ........................................................... 45
AGRICULTURAL REGULATIONS, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ................................................................ 45
AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY AWARENESS STUDY COMMISSION .............................................................. 46
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL SYSTEM COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ............... 47
ARTS EDUCATION COMMISSION .................................................................................................................. 48 iv
AUTOMATIC RENEWAL CREDIT CARD CONTRACTS COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE
RESEARCH COMMISSION ................................................................................................................... 49
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE MODERNIZATION COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH
COMMISSION .................................................................................................................................... 50
BANKING LAWS, JOINT LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON THE MODERNIZATION OF
NORTH CAROLINA .............................................................................................................................. 51
CERTIFICATE OF NEED PROCESS AND RELATED HOSPITAL ISSUES, HOUSE SELECT
COMMITTEE ON THE .......................................................................................................................... 52
CHILDHOOD OBESITY, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ............................................................................... 53
CHILDHOOD OBESITY, LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE ON ................................................................................... 54
CONSOLIDATED ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE
RESEARCH COMMISSION ................................................................................................................... 56
CONTRACTING FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT PRISON FACILITIES COMMITTEE,
LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION .............................................................................................. 57
COURTS COMMISSION ................................................................................................................................ 57
CRIMINAL RECORD EXPUNCTIONS COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ............................ 59
CTS CONTAMINATION SITE IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE TO
INVESTIGATE THE ............................................................................................................................... 60
DENTISTRY MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENT LIMITS, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ................................ 61
DESIGNATING DIRECTOR OF AOC AS CUSTODIAN OF COURT RECORDS COMMITTEE,
LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION .............................................................................................. 62
DIABETES PREVENTION AND AWARENESS, JOINT LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE ON ......................................... 63
DISADVANTAGED MINORITY-OWNED AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES PROGRAM,
JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION .............................. 64
DRIVERS EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ..................... 65
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON .................................... 66
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE,
JOINT LEGISLATIVE ............................................................................................................................. 67
EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE .......................................................................... 69
EDUCATION REFORM, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ............................................................................... 71
EFFICIENCIES IN STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ..................... 72
ELECTIONS, ETHICS, AND LOBBYING REGISTRATION FUNCTIONS COMMITTEE,
CONSOLIDATION OF, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ............................................................ 73
ELECTIONS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE ........................................................................... 74
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE, SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ........................................ 76
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND ALTERNATIVE FUELS, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ................................. 77
ENERGY POLICY ISSUES COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ............................................. 78
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ........................................................................................ 79
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMISSION .................................................................................................... 79
E-PROCUREMENT, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ..................................................................................... 81
ETHICS COMMISSION, STATE ....................................................................................................................... 82
ETHICS COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE ............................................................................................................... 83
EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ........................................................... 84
FEASIBILITY OF REQUIRING CERTAIN REPORTS TO BE FILED ELECTRONICALLY
COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ........................................................................ 85
GENERAL STATUTES COMMISSION .............................................................................................................. 86
GLOBAL TRANSPARK AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................. 87
GOVERNANCE AND THE ADEQUACY OF THE INVESTMENT AUTHORITY OF VARIOUS
STATE-OWNED FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSES OF ENHANCING THE RETURN ON
INVESTMENTS, COMMISSION TO STUDY THE .................................................................................... 88
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON ....................................................... 89
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON ..................................... 92
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ............................................................... 94 v
IMMIGRATION POLICY, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE STATE'S ROLE IN ........................................... 96
INCAPACITY TO PROCEED COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ......................................... 97
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON ........................................ 97
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS EVALUATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE, STATE ......................... 99
IN-HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR YOUTH COMMITTEE,
LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION .............................................................................................. 99
JOINING OUR BUSINESSES AND SCHOOLS (JOBS) STUDY COMMISSION, JOINT LEGISLATIVE .................... 100
JUDICIAL AND PROSECUTORIAL DISTRICTS, STUDY COMMITTEE ON CONSOLIDATION OF ........................ 102
JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON ........................................ 103
LEGACY COSTS FOR THE STATES OBLIGATIONS FOR PENSIONS, RETIREE HEALTH BENEFITS,
STATE HEALTH PLAN, AND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON .............. 105
LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ....................................................................................................... 106
LEGISLATIVE SERVICES COMMISSION ........................................................................................................ 108
LIFE CYCLE COST ANALYSIS COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ...................................... 109
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ...................................................................... 110
LOTTERY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ............................................................................................................. 111
MAKE MANUFACTURE WHILE USING STOLEN IT AN UNFAIR ACT COMMITTEE,
LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ............................................................................................ 112
MARINE FISHERIES COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION .................................................. 113
MECHANICS LIEN ON REAL PROPERTY COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION .................... 114
METHAMPHETAMINE ABUSE, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ................................................................. 115
METHAMPHETAMINE ABUSE, LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON .................................................................. 116
METROPOLITAN SEWAGE/WATER SYSTEM COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ............ 117
MUNICIPAL INCORPORATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT ................................................................................................................ 119
MUNICIPAL POWER AGENCY RELIEF COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ....................... 119
ORDERLY AND EXPEDITIOUS REMOVAL BY LANDLORD OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OF
DECEASED COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ..................................................... 121
PRETRIAL RELEASE COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION .................................................. 122
PROGRAM EVALUATION COMMITTEE, HOUSE SELECT LEGISLATIVE ......................................................... 122
PROGRAM EVALUATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE .................................................... 123
PROPERTY INSURANCE RATE MAKING COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION .................... 125
PUBLIC FUNDING OF COUNCIL OF STATE ELECTIONS COMMISSION .......................................................... 126
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ............................................................ 126
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN CAPITAL CASES, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON .......................................... 128
RECLAIMED WATER ISSUES COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ..................................... 129
REGULATORY REFORM COMMITTEE, JOINT ............................................................................................... 129
RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS AND STATE EMPLOYEES COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE
RESEARCH COMMISSION ................................................................................................................. 131
RETITLING OF MANUFACTURED HOMES REMOVED FROM PROPERTY COMMITTEE,
LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ............................................................................................ 132
REVENUE LAWS STUDY COMMITTEE.......................................................................................................... 133
RULES REVIEW COMMISSION..................................................................................................................... 135
SCHOOL YEAR, BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION TO STUDY THE CURRENT LENGTH OF THE............................. 135
SENIOR TAR HEEL LEGISLATURE ................................................................................................................. 135
SENTENCING AND POLICY ADVISORY COMMISSION .................................................................................. 136
STATE-OWNED ASSETS, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ........................................................................... 137
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES TASK FORCE, NORTH CAROLINA ................................................................. 139
THIRD PARTY SALE OF ELECTRICITY COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ......................... 140
TORNADO DAMAGE RESPONSE, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON ............................................................... 140
TRANSITION TO FEDERAL AND LOCAL FUNDING FOR LOCAL MASS TRANSIT COMMITTEE,
LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ............................................................................................ 143
TRANSPORTATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE ............................................................. 144 vi
INDEX ..................................................................................................................................................... 149 1
PART I : STUDIES & REPORTS BY SUBJECT
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
Authority: SL2011-391 §49, HB 22.
Report by: Department of Insurance and Department of Health and Human Services
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2012 Regular Session of the 2011 General Assembly.
Scope: May collaborate and plan in furtherance of the requirements of the ACA. DOI may contract with experts, using available funds or grants, necessary to facilitate preparation for an Information Technology system capable of performing requirements of the ACA.
The Commissioner of Insurance may also study the insurance-related provisions of the ACA and any other matters it deems necessary to successful compliance with the provisions of the ACA and related regulations.
Contact: Rose Vaughn Williams
Department of Insurance
(919) 733-3058
AGRICULTURAL REGULATIONS
Authority: Letter of Sept. 19, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on Agricultural Regulations
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Not Specified
Scope: May study the current availability and need for insurance products to protect agricultural contract growers from financial loss resulting from loss of animals or crops grown under contract due to weather, natural disaster, or other acts of god.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
AIR SERVICES CONSOLIDATION
Authority: SL2011-145 §6.13 (a)-(b), (e), HB 200.
Report by: Program Evaluation Division
Report to: Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee
Report due: No later than May 1, 2012.
Scope: Shall evaluate the consolidation of air services provided by the Department of Transportation, the State Bureau of Investigation, and the University of North Carolina Passenger Mission and shall recommend the most appropriate agency to house the consolidated services. Other air services may be examined for consolidation by the Program Evaluation Division. The study shall evaluate savings through consolidation, including potential savings from the following: (1) Reduction in aircraft. (2) Reduction in personnel. (3) Reduction in State facilities. (4) An improved level of service. (5) The potential sale of the DOT Beechcraft B200 aircraft tail number N3NC and if so when the sale should take place.
Contact: John Turcotte, Director
Program Evaluation Division
(919) 301-14022
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL SYSTEM
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Alcoholic Beverage Control System Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study the current State and local alcoholic beverage control (ABC) in North Carolina. The committee shall study the involvement in the distribution and sale of spirituous liquor as a core government function, the privatization and divestiture of the ABC system, compare the NC ABC system with other similar states, and the impact of privatizing on government revenues, underage drinking, mental health and substance abuse, consumer access, and a comparison of taxes and bailment fees to other states.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
ARTS EDUCATION
Authority: SL2011-301, HB 758.
Report by: Arts Education Commission
Report to: Legislative Education Oversight Committee
Report due: Shall report no later than May 1, 2012.
Scope: Review and recommend implementation strategies for the Comprehensive Arts Education Plan for K-12. Assess and promote opportunities for students to learn the skills of creativity and innovation in public schools. Establish an Arts “report card” and report yearly to DPI and the Legislative Education Oversight Committee. Work with DPI regarding NAEP and established accountability incentives under ACRE.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE MODERNIZATION
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Automobile Insurance Modernization Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study issues relating to the method and manner of establishing automobile insurance rates in North Carolina, and issues related to the enforcement and Ann McColl of safety and emissions inspection requirements.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
AVIATION MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
Authority: SL2011-145 §6.13 (c), (e), HB 200.
Report by: Program Evaluation Division
Report to: Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee
Report due: No later than May 1, 2012.
Scope: Shall study the formation of an Aviation Management Authority, as recommended by the Program Evaluation Division's April 2010 Report "Selling 25 Underutilized Aircraft May Yield Up to $8.1 Million and Save $1.5 Million Annually."
Contact: John Turcotte, Director
Program Evaluation Division
(919) 301-14023
BANKING LAWS MODERNIZATION
Authority: SL2011-353, SB 555.
Report by: Joint Legislative Study Commission on the Modernization of North Carolina Banking Laws
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Shall report to the 2012 Regular Session of the 2011 General Assembly no later than May 01, 2012.
Scope: Shall determine whether and to what extent the North Carolina Banking Laws need to be updated.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
BARRIERS TO HOME CARE SERVICES IN CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
Authority: SL2010-128 §5, SB 354.
Report by: Department of Insurance and the Department of Health and Human Services
Report to: Study Commission on Aging and the Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee.
Report due: Shall jointly provide an interim status report on or before November 1, 2010, and a final report on or before September 1, 2011.
Scope: Shall identify any statutory, regulatory, or practical barriers that prevent or discourage individuals that contract with continuing care retirement communities from receiving home care services for as long as they need home care services and are able to be safely cared for in their homes.
Contact: Rose Vaughn Williams
Department of Insurance
(919) 733-3058
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS SERVICES BY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS
Authority: SL2010-31 §10.7B, SB 897.
Report by: Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services
Report to: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: Not later than March 1, 2011.
Scope: Shall evaluate the provision of behavioral health crisis services by State and local hospital emergency departments, broken down by local management entity (LME) catchment area. The evaluation shall compare both Medicaid and non-Medicaid recipients whose care is managed by the 1915 (b)/(c) waiver program with Medicaid and non-Medicaid recipients whose care is managed by LMEs and other entities.
Contact: Sharnese Ransome, Legislative Liaison
DHHS
(919) 733-4534
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS OF MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES
Authority: SL2011-185 §10(a)-(d), SB 597.
Report by: UNC General Administration, in collaboration with Operation Re Entry North Carolina at East Carolina University, North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute, 4
other institutions of higher education in this State, the North Carolina National Guard, and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs,
Report to: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee and to the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Health and Human Services.
Report due: On July 1, 2012, and annually thereafter.
Scope: Shall, to the extent available resources allow, collaborate on research to address the behavioral health problems and challenges facing military personnel, veterans, and their families. The research required by this section shall be conducted by collaborative research teams which shall include civilian investigators from institutions of higher learning in this State and private research organizations, health providers in regional and national military health system institutions, and providers and investigators in VISN 6 in the VA system. These teams shall aggressively pursue federal funding to conduct the research required by this section.
Contact: L. Andrew Willis, VP for Government Relations University Affairs
UNC General Ann McColl
(919) 962-7296
BODY MASS INDEX SCREENING OF CHILDREN AT RISK OF BECOMING OBESE AND DEVELOPING DIABETES OR OTHER CHRONIC DISEASES, WHO ARE RECEIVING MEDICAID OR PARTICIPATING IN THE NORTH CAROLINA HEALTH CHOICE FOR CHILDREN PROGRAM FEASIBILITY
Authority: SL2010-152 §17.1, SB 900
Report by: Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance
Report to: Legislative Task Force on Childhood Obesity
Report due: Not later than September 1, 2011.
Scope: May explore the feasibility of requiring Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) to implement body mass index (BMI) screening for children at risk of becoming obese and developing diabetes or other chronic diseases, who are receiving Medicaid or participating in the North Carolina Health Choice for Children Program.
Contact: Sharnese Ransome, Legislative Liaison
DHHS
(919) 733-4534
CAPITAL NEEDS LONG-TERM PLANNING ADEQUACY
Authority: SL2011-145 §30.13(a)-(b), HB 200.
Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Capital Improvements
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: No later than April 1, 2012.
Scope: Shall examine, on a continuing basis, the adequacy of planning for the State's long term capital needs. This examination (i) may take into account the priorities embodied in the six year capital improvements plan developed pursuant to G.S. 143C 8 5 and other planning documents but shall constitute a separate examination that does not rely exclusively on any particular document and (ii) shall look at capital needs throughout the State and not only in Wake County.
NOTE: Committee repealed 6-24-2011 by SL2011-291 §1.2(b).
CENTER FOR PUBLIC TELEVISION CONTINUATION REVIEW
Authority: SL2011-145 §9.1(a)-(b), HB 200.
Report by: UNC General Administration and the UNC Center for Public Television.5
Report to: House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Education.
Report due: No later than March 31, 2012.
Scope: A continuation review of the Center for Public Television shall be prepared jointly by The University of North Carolina General Administration and The University of North Carolina Center for Public Television.
Contact: L. Andrew Willis, VP for Government Relations University Affairs
UNC General Administration
(919) 962-7296
CENTRALIZED HUMAN RESOURCES FOR COUNCIL OF STATE OFFICES
Authority: SL2011-145 §20.5, HB 200.
Report by: Office of State Personnel
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: By the convening of the 2012 Regular Session of the 2011 General Assembly.
Scope: In conjunction with the Office of State Budget and Management, shall report to the General Assembly and to the Fiscal Research Division on the feasibility of transferring the human resources management functions currently divided among the various Council of State offices and departments to be centralized under the Office of State Personnel.
Contact: Carl Dean
Office of State Personnel
(919) -807-4800
CERTIFICATE OF NEED PROCESS AND RELATED HOSPITAL ISSUES
Authority: Letter of August 24, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on the Certificate of Need Process and Related Hospital Issues
Report to: House of Representatives
Report due: May file an interim report by May 01, 2012, and shall submit a final report prior to the convening of the 2013 General Assembly.
Scope: Study the legal requirement and process governing DHHS determinations for CON, including exceptions granted. Study issues relating to publically owned hospitals, including the appropriate role of State-owned hospitals, rules governing Certificate of Public Advantage, and their business engagements.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
CHILDHOOD OBESITY
Authority: SL2009-574 §49.1, HB 945; SL2010-152 §26, SB 900.
Report by: Legislative Task Force on Childhood Obesity
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: May make a report to the 2011 General Assembly, and shall make a final report prior to the convening of the 2012 Session of the 2011 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall study and recommend to the General Assembly strategies for addressing the problem of childhood obesity and encouraging healthy eating and increased physical activity among children through: early intervention, childcare facilities, physical education, nutrition standards and education in schools, increased access to recreational activities, community initiatives and public awareness, and other means.
Contact: See Task Force listing in Part II of this volume.6
CHILDHOOD OBESITY (HOUSE)
Authority: Letter of Sept. 1, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on Childhood Obesity
Report to: House of Representatives
Report due: May submit an interim report on or before May 01, 2012. Shall submit a final report prior to the convening of the 2013 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall study issues relating to childhood obesity, to include: encouraging healthy eating and increased physical activity, early childhood intervention, childcare facilities, before- and after- school programs, physical education and physical activity in schools, higher nutrition standards in schools, comprehensive nutrition education in schools, increased access to recreational activities for children, and community initiatives and public awareness.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
CONSOLIDATED ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Consolidated Environmental Commission Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study the desirability and feasibility of consolidating the State’s environmental policy making, rulemaking, and quasi-judicial functions into one comprehensive fulltime environmental commission. The committee shall evaluate all issues that pertain to a consolidation of the roles and duties that the current multiple boards, commissions, and councils have.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
COOPERATIVE INNOVATIVE HIGH SCHOOLS FISCAL IMPACT
Authority: SL2010-31 §7.21(d), SB 897.
Report by: Department of Public Instruction
Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: By March 15, 2011.
Scope: Shall study the fiscal impacts of the Cooperative and Innovative High School Act (Part 9 of Article 16 of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes).
Contact: Ann McColl, Legislative Liaison
State Board of Education
(919) 807-4035
COSTS OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO AGENCIES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Authority: SL2011-145 §14.7(a)-(b), HB 200.
Report by: Department of Commerce
Report to: Senate Appropriations Committee on Natural and Economic Resources, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural and Economic Resources, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: By May 1, 2012, and by May 1, 2012, shall also submit a copy of each memorandum of understanding required under subsection (a) of this section to the Fiscal Research Division.7
Scope: In consultation with the Fiscal Research Division, the Department of Commerce and the ABC Commission, State Banking Commission, Credit Union Division, Cemetery Commission, Utilities Commission, Utilities Commission Public Staff, and the Rural Electrification Authority shall study the following: (i) the types of services provided by the Department of Commerce to each of the agencies during each fiscal year; and (ii) formulas or methods to be used to determine the costs of the services, including the advantages and disadvantages of each formula or method. The Department of Commerce and each of the agencies shall prepare a joint recommendation as to which formula or method to determine the costs of the services should be used. In addition, the Department of Commerce and each of the agencies shall develop a memorandum of understanding that details the services to be provided by the Department of Commerce during each fiscal year.
Contact: Kathy Neal
Department of Commerce
(919) 733-7977
CREDIT CARD CONTRACTS
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Automatic Renewal Credit Card Contracts Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study automatic renewal provision in contracts that provide credit card or other payment system processing for merchants.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
CRIMINAL INFORMATION DATABASE
Authority: SL2011-145 §16.6, HB 200.
Report by: Department of Justice
Report to: Chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety and to the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: By March 1, 2012.
Scope: Shall issue a request for information to determine the cost to have a private company maintain the software required for criminal information databases managed by the Criminal Information Division.
Contact: Jennifer Epperson
Department of Justice
(919)
CRIMINAL RECORD EXPUNCTIONS
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Criminal Record Expunctions Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study whether current law strikes an appropriate balance between an employer’s need for access to accurate criminal history information about potential employees and the need 8
for a person who committed a relatively minor offense in the distant past to obtain employment in spite of the person’s criminal history.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
CTS CONTAMINATION SITE
Authority: House Simple Resolution, HB 186.
Report by: House Select Committee to Investigate the CTS Contamination Site in Buncombe County by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Report to: House of Representatives
Report due: Not specified.
Scope: Conduct an investigation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' handling of the CTS contamination site and other related issues in the discretion of the Committee.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Authority: SL2011-145 §8.14, HB 200.
Report by: State Board of Community Colleges
Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee
Report due: By March 1, 2012.
Scope: Revised set of accountability measures and performance standards by which to evaluate and measure student progress and student success, including measures of graduation rates and course completions. The report shall include a plan to incorporate these revised accountability measures and performance standards into regular formula funding. These revised accountability measures and performance standards shall also be the basis for the allocation of performance funding, in accordance with G.S. 115D-31.3(g) and (h).
Contact: Jennifer Willis
Community College System
(919) 733-7051
CUSTODIAN OF COURT RECORDS DESIGNATION
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Designating Director of AOC as Custodian of Court Records Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study the issue of making the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts a custodian of court records for public records purposes and making court records public records and available to third parties upon request and payment of the reproduction costs.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
DEEPWATER HORIZON LEAK IMPACT
Authority: SL2010-179 §4, SB 836.
Report by: Department of Crime Control and Public Safety
Report to: Not specified9
Report due: Not specified
Scope: Shall immediately review the potential impacts of oil leaking from the British Petroleum Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig on the North Carolina coast and shall update the Oil Spill Contingency Plan, required by G.S. 143-215.94HH, as necessary to ensure the State's preparedness in the event the oil leaking from the British Petroleum Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig is transported by currents or other mechanisms to the North Carolina coast or the State's waters. In updating the plan, the Department shall assess the actions that are being implemented to manage and mitigate economic and environmental impacts resulting from the spill, determine which solutions have proven successful, identify the best management practices available to address the impacts, and identify the resources necessary to carry out the Oil Spill Contingency Plan.
Contact: Thomas Courtney Caves, Legislative liaison
Department of Crime Control
(919) 733-2126
DENTAL SERVICES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS POPULATION
Authority: SL2010-88, HB 1692.
Report by: Department of Health and Human Services, Divisions of Medical Assistance and Public Health,
Report to: Study Commission on Aging and the Public Health Study Commission
Report due: On or before November 15, 2011.
Scope: Shall study issues that may facilitate dental care and improved dental outcomes for the special needs population. Issues studied shall include at least the following: (1) The feasibility and anticipated impact of expanding Medicaid dental services to include reimbursement for evidenced-based topical fluoride treatment and other chemotherapeutic agents used to prevent periodontal disease in high-risk adults with special health care needs. (2) The feasibility and anticipated impact of implementing facility code policies that would allow certified providers to bill for each patient seen in a long-term care facility or group home on the date of service.
Contact: Sharnese Ransome, Legislative Liaison
DHHS
(919) 733-4534
DENTISTRY MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENT LIMITS
Authority: Letter of August 29, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on Dentistry Management Arrangement Limits
Report to: House of Representatives
Report due: May submit an interim report on or before May 01, 2012. A final report shall be submitted on the convening 2013 General Assembly.
Scope: May study dentistry management arrangement limits including the proposed statutory changes found in the First Edition of House Bill 698 of the 2011 Regular Session and other relevant issues it deems appropriate.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REGULATORY FUNCTIONS
Authority: SL2011-145 §10.17(a), HB 200.
Report by: Department of Health and Human Services10
Report to: House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: By January 30, 2012.
Scope: Shall examine all regulatory functions performed by each of the divisions within the Department.
Contact: Sharnese Ransome, Legislative Liaison
DHHS
(919) 733-4534
DIABETES PREVENTION AND AWARENESS
Authority: SL2011-Resolution 6, HB 647.
Report by: Joint Legislative Task Force on Diabetes Prevention and Awareness
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Shall report on or before February 1, 2013 to the Governor and the 2013 General Assembly.
Scope: Study issues relating to diabetes awareness, treatment, and prevention with the intention of seeing measurable changes.
Contact: See Task Force listing in Part II of this volume.
DIVERSITY IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Authority: SL2010-152 §34.1, SB 900.
Report by: Legislative Commission on Diversity in the Public Schools
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Shall submit final report to the 2011 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall study effects of student diversity (racial, ethnic, socioeconomic) in public schools, including effects on learning experience, academic achievement, parental involvement, discipline, and fiscal impact/efficiency of State funding streams. Shall examine best practices in other states for creating and maintaining student diversity.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
DRIVERS EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Drivers Education Requirements Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study the desirability of requiring all drivers to complete an approved driver education course before being issued a North Carolina driver’s license. The study shall also consider how the requirement would apply to a person moving into this State with a valid driver’s license issued by another state.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.11
DROPOUT PREVENTION AND HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
Authority: SL2007-323 § 7.32.(f), HB 1473; SL2008-181 §35.1, HB 2431; SL2010-31 §7.19(f), SB 897.
Report by: Joint Legislative Commission on Dropout Prevention and High School Graduation
Report to: General Assembly, and Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.
Report due: May report.
Scope: Examine and evaluate strategies, programs, and support services designed to reduce dropout rate and increase high school graduation rate; evaluate grants awarded by Committee on Dropout Prevention.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
DROPOUT PREVENTION GRANT IMPACT EVALUATION
Authority: SL2009-451 §7.13(c), SB 202; SL2010-31 §7.19, SB 897.
Report by: Committee on Dropout Prevention
Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Dropout Prevention and High School Graduation and to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee
Report due: By March 1, 2010, and annually thereafter.
Scope: The Committee shall evaluate the impact of the dropout prevention grants awarded under this section. In evaluating the impact of the grants, the Committee shall consider: (1) How grant funds were used, including the services provided for teen pregnancy prevention and for pregnant and parenting teens; (2) The success of the program or initiative, as indicated by the evaluation process stated in its grant application; (3) The extent to which the program or initiative has improved students' attendance, test scores, persistence, and graduation rates; (4) How the program or initiative was coordinated to enhance the effectiveness of existing programs, initiatives, or services in the community; (5) What, if any, other resources were used in conjunction with the grant funds; (6) The sustainability of the program; (7) The number, gender, ethnicity, and grade level of students being served as well as whether the students left school due to pregnancy or parenting responsibilities; (8) The potential for the program to serve as a model for achieving successful academic progress for at-risk students; and (9) Other indicators of the impact of the grant on dropout prevention.
Contact: Debora Williams
DPI Dropout Prevention/Intervention
(919) 807-3912
DROPOUT PREVENTION GRANTS-STATEWIDE MODELS FOR PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS
Authority: SL2010-31 §7.19(b), SB 897.
Report by: Committee on Dropout Prevention
Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and the Joint Legislative Commission on Dropout Prevention and High School Graduation.
Report due: March 15, 2011.
Scope: The Committee shall identify a minimum of three additional recipients of Dropout Prevention Grants that the Committee feels show promise as statewide models for dropout prevention interventions.
Contact: Debora Williams
DPI Dropout Prevention/Intervention
(919) 807-391212
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT
Authority: Letter of Sept. 23, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on Early Childhood Education Improvement
Report to: House of Representatives
Report due: Upon convening of 2013 General Assembly.
Scope: May study the cost, quality, consumer education, and outcomes of the North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc.’s activities funded to increase literacy, measurably improve families abilities to raise healthy, productive and successful children, and increase access to preventative health care for children from birth to five years of age.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION INITIATIVES COST, QUALITY, OUTCOMES
Authority: SL2011-145 §10.5(m)-(n), HB 200.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: On or before October 1, 2012.
Scope: Authorized to study the cost, quality, consumer education, and outcomes of the North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc.'s activities funded to (i) increase early literacy, (ii) measurably improve families' abilities to raise healthy, productive, and successful children, and (iii) increase access to preventative health care for children from birth to five years of age.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
ECONOMIC INTEREST STATEMENT AND REGULATION OF CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
Authority: SL2010-169 §8.4(d), HB 961.
Report by: Legislative Ethics Committee
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: On or before April 1, 2011.
Scope: Shall study the need for additional regulation of campaign contributions to State officials and candidates for State office by persons doing business with, or regulated by, the office held by the State official. In particular, the Committee shall study the need to regulate campaign activities by persons doing or seeking to do business of any kind, engaged in activities that are regulated or controlled by, or having financial interests that may be substantially and materially affected, in a manner distinguishable from the public generally, by the performance or nonperformance of the State official. The Committee shall also study the statement of economic interest required to be filed under Article 4 of Chapter 138A of the General Statutes, particularly whether that statement accurately and informatively discloses required information.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
EDUCATION REFORM
Authority: Letter of Sept. 19, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on Education Reform
Report to: House of Representatives
Report due: Upon convening of 2013 General Assembly.13
Scope: May study those matters set forth in subsections (1) though (3) of Section 5.2 of House Bill 773, Third Edition of the 2011 General Assembly, and those matters set forth in Section 2 of House Bill 625, Second Edition of the 2011 General Assembly.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
EFFICIENCIES IN STATE GOVERNMENT
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Efficiencies in State Government Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study additional uses of analytics to increase efficiencies across all areas of State government, including performance management, waste, fraud, abuse, outcome management, and outsourcing.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
ELECTIONS, ETHICS, AND LOBBYING REGISTRATION FUNCTIONS CONSOLIDATION
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Consolidation of Elections, Ethics, and Lobbying Registration Functions Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: shall study the transfer of the authority, powers, duties, and functions, records, personnel, property and budgets of the State Ethics Commission and the lobbying registration and the lobbying enforcement authority, functions, and budget of the Secretary of State to a new State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
ELECTRICITY SALE BY THIRD PARTY
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Third Party Sale of Electricity Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study the feasibility and desirability of authorizing sales of electricity by any third party that owns or operates the equipment of a renewable energy facility with two megawatts or less capacity when the renewable energy facility is locates on a consumer’s property.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
ELECTRONIC FILING OF CERTAIN REPORTS
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Feasibility of Requiring Certain Reports to Be Filed Electronically Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.14
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study the feasibility and applicability of requiring electronic filing of all reports required to be filed with the State Board of Elections, regardless of the amount.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
Authority: Letter of Sept. 11, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and Senate Rule 31.
Report by: Senate Select Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Response
Report to: NC Senate
Report due: Not specified.
Scope: Shall receive briefings from State and federal agencies involved in recent natural disasters regarding response and recovery efforts; collect information on damage assessment and recovery efforts relating to damage resulting from any natural disaster, examine State and Federal response to damages, review the current processes used to address natural and man-made disasters before, during, and after incidents arise, review funding resources and possible ways to achieve great efficiency, and report to the GA on any additional legislative action that could improve North Carolina’s response to future rapid-onset catastrophes.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
EMERGENCY SERVICE ACCESS TO CERTAIN PROPERTY
Authority: SL2011-384 §6, HB 806.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: May provide an interim report by May 1, 2012, and shall provide a final report by January 15, 2013.
Scope: In consultation with the NC Home Builders Association and NC Association of County Commissioners, shall study the extent to which counties shall be able to require that lots exempt from county subdivision regulations must be accessible to emergency services providers, along with any issues deemed relevant by the LRC.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION EXEMPTIONS
Authority: SL2011-145 §28.24(a)-(b), HB 200.
Report by: Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles; and Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Air Quality
Report to: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee, the Environmental Review Commission, the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Natural and Economic Resources, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, and the Senate Committee on Appropriations on Department of Transportation.
Report due: No later than March 1, 2012.
Scope: Shall lead a study to examine exempting from the emissions inspection required for motor vehicles under G.S. 20 183.2(b) (i) the three newest model year vehicles and (ii) all vehicles. As part of this study, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Air Quality, in coordination with the Department of Transportation, Division of 15
Motor Vehicles, shall evaluate the potential impacts of exempting these motor vehicles on emissions levels and air quality.
Contact: Beau Memory, Legislative Liaison
Department of Transportation
(919) 733-2520
END-OF-LIFE MEDICAL CARE ISSUES
Authority: SL2007-502 §19, HB 634.
Report by: North Carolina Institute of Medicine
Report to: General Assembly, NC Bar Association, and NC Medical Society.
Report due: No later than January 30, 2013.
Scope: Shall study issues related to the provision of end-of-life medical care in North Carolina. As part of the study, the Division of Health Service Regulation, Department of Health and Human Services, and the North Carolina Board of Medicine shall provide to the Institute nonidentifying information regarding claims and complaints related to end-of-life medical treatment by health care providers that was contrary to the express wishes of either the patient or a person authorized by law to make treatment decisions on behalf of the patient. The Institute may review any other data related to end-of-life medical care and treatment the Institute determines is relevant.
Contact: Pam Silberman
NC Institute of Medicine
(919) 401-6599
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND ALTERNATIVE FUELS
Authority: Letter of Sept. 1, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Alternative Fuels
Report to: House of Representatives
Report due: May submit an interim report on or before May 01, 2012. The Committee shall submit a final report prior to the convening of the 2013 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall study the following: the State’s future energy needs, alternative fuel sources for vehicles, ways to become more self-reliant on the State’s own energy supplies and less reliant on foreign markets. The Committee may also study necessary infrastructure changes and incentives for alternative fuel, potential for job creation and market growth, environmental impact of production and use, and any other relevant issues.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
ENERGY POLICY ISSUES
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Energy Policy Issues Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study strategies that will increase energy production and efficiency within the State to develop a secure, stable, and predictable energy supply in order to facilitate economic growth, job creation, and expansion of business and industry opportunities in a way that protects and preserves the State’s natural resources, cultural heritage, and quality of life.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.16
E-PROCUREMENT
Authority: Letter of Sept. 15, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on E-Procurement
Report to: House of Representatives
Report due: Upon convening of 2013 General Assembly.
Scope: May study the costs and effectiveness of the State’s e-procurement system and any other matter reasonably related to this issue, in the discretion of the Committee.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
EXEMPTING WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION AND MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION FROM THE LEGISLATIVE DISAPPROVAL PROCESS
Authority: SL2010-152 §11.1, SB 900
Report by: Joint Legislative Administrative Procedure Oversight Committee
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2011 General Assembly.
Scope: May study the impact of exempting the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Marine Fisheries Commission from the legislative disapproval process under the Administrative Procedure Act. In conducting the study, the Committee may consider the number of bills to disapprove rules adopted by either of the two Commissions that have been introduced since 2003, the effect of the delayed effective dates on the enforcement capabilities of the two Commissions, and alternatives available to the public for objecting to rules adopted by either of the two Commissions.
NOTE: Committee repealed 6-24-2011 by SL2001-192 §1.3(b).
EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION
Authority: Letter of Sept 1, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
Report to: House of Representatives
Report due: May submit an interim report on or before May 01, 2012. Shall submit a final report prior to the convening of the 2013 General Assembly.
Scope: May study any issues or matters which would impact the exercise of extraterritorial jurisdiction by cities and the impact of such jurisdiction on counties, property owners, and residents.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
FORCED COMBINATIONS OF CORPORATE RETURNS
Authority: SL2011-390 §7, HB 619.
Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2012 Regular Session of the 2011 General Assembly.
Scope: May review the law enacted by this act (Revenue's Authority To Adjust The Net Income Of A Corporation Or To Require A Corporation To File A Combined Return; H619) and recommend any changes needed. May also recommend the extent to which the law enacted by this act should apply to pending assessments and requests for refunds.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.17
FOX AND COYOTE POPULATIONS
Authority: SL2011-380, HB 755.
Report by: Wildlife Resources Commission
Report to: Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Chairs of the House Committee on Agriculture, and the Chairs of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources.
Report due: By April 1, 2012.
Scope: Shall undertake a study of fox and coyote populations in the State and recommend management methods and controls designed to ensure statewide conservation of fox populations while managing adverse effects of coyote populations. In conducting the study, the Wildlife Resources Commission shall solicit input from interested stakeholders, including hunters, trappers, controlled hunting preserve operators, public health authorities, local governments, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and private landowners.
Contact: Charles Fullwood
Wildlife Resources Commission
(919) 733-3391
FRAUD AGAINST OLDER ADULTS
Authority: SL2011-189, SB 449.
Report by: Consumer Protection Division, Department of Justice, Task Force on Fraud Against Older Adults
Report to: Study Commission on Aging
Report due: Shall make an interim report on or before November 1, 2011, and a final report on or before October 1, 2012.
Scope: Shall include, but should not be limited to, examination of the following issues: (1) Identifying, clarifying, and strengthening laws to provide older adults a broader system of protection against abuse and fraud. (2) Establishing a statewide system to enable reporting on incidents of fraud and mistreatment of older adults. (3) Identifying opportunities for partnership among the Banking Commission, the financial management industry, and law enforcement agencies to prevent fraud against older adults. (4) Granting the Attorney General authority to initiate prosecutions for fraud against older adults.
Contact: Jennifer Epperson
Department of Justice
(919) 716-6400
FULL-COLOR SPECIAL PLATES
Authority: SL2011-392 §11, HB 289.
Report by: Department of Crime Control and Public Safety and the Department of Transportation
Report to: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee, and General Assembly.
Report due: On or before the convening of the 2012 Regular Session of the 2011 General Assembly. The Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee shall make any legislative recommendations based on the study to the 2012 Regular Session of the 2011 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall study whether, for purposes of effective law enforcement, full-color special license plates should continue to be authorized or be phased out, with all special license plates being on the First in Flight background. The study shall also include an estimate of the replacement costs and recommendations for funding those costs.
Contact: Thomas Courtney Caves, Legislative liaison
Department of Crime Control
(919) 733-212618
GLOBAL TRANSPARK AUTHORITY
Authority: SL2010-31 §28.3(b), SB 897; and SL2010-123 §8.1, SB 1202.
Report by: Program Evaluation Division
Report to: Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee
Report due: No later than May 1, 2011.
Scope: Shall conduct a comprehensive program and financial review of the North Carolina Global TransPark Authority. The program review shall examine the Authority's operations and evaluate the effectiveness of the Authority in meeting its mission and goals. The financial review shall study the cost-effectiveness of all State funds appropriated to the Authority to date, examine potential efficiency savings, study the long-term operating needs of the Authority, examine the Authority's current business practices, and make recommendations for it to become financially self-sustaining and to fully repay the Escheat Fund.
Contact: John Turcotte, Director
Program Evaluation Division
(919) 301-1402
GLOBAL TRANSPARK AUTHORITY TRANSFER/CONSOLIDATION
Authority: SL2011-145 §6.10©, HB 200.
Report by: Program Evaluation Division
Report to: Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee
Report due: No later than May 1, 2012.
Scope: Shall study the feasibility and implications of (i) transferring the entire Global TransPark Authority to another State agency and (ii) transferring functions of the Global TransPark Authority to other State agencies as part of a consolidation. The term "functions of the Global TransPark Authority" includes, but is not limited to, administration, planning, economic development and marketing, property management, and training center functions.
Contact: John Turcotte, Director
Program Evaluation Division
(919) 301-1402
GOVERNANCE AND ADEQUACY OF INVESTMENT AUTHORITY OF VARIOUS STATE-OWNED FUNDS
Authority: SL2009-574 §47.1, HB 945; SL2010-96 §37, SB 1165; and SL2010-152 §23, SB 900.
Report by: Commission to Study the Governance and the Adequacy of the Investment Authority of Various State-Owned Funds for the Purposes of Enhancing the Return on Investments
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Shall submit interim report on or before May 31, 2010, shall make a final report to the 2011 Session of the 2011 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall study issues relating to the source, nature, purpose, and distribution of various State funds. Study may include location and type of fund, fund balances and cash flow needs, guiding documents, governance, current protections and investment authority, and any other issues deemed relevant.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
HEALTH INSURANCE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT EVALUATION
Authority: SL2009-568 §6(a), HB 212.
Report by: Department of Insurance19
Report to: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee
Report due: May submit interim reports, final report not later than May 1, 2014.
Scope: The Department of Insurance shall evaluate the Demonstration Project authority, taking into account the impact that the Demonstration Project has on the overall insurance market. The evaluation performed by the Department of Insurance shall analyze the impact that the Demonstration Project has on the small and large group insurance markets, both statewide and in the demonstration areas. The analysis shall include, but not be limited to, consideration of the impact that the Demonstration Project has had on the following: (1) Incurred loss ratios. (2) Administrative costs. (3) Annual premiums. (4) Total number of covered groups and covered lives. (5) Age and gender composition of covered lives.
Contact: Rose Vaughn Williams
Department of Insurance
(919) 733-3058
HIGHWAY PATROL SPECIAL EVENT TRAFFIC CONTROL FEE
Authority: SL2011-145 §19.5(a)-(b), HB 200.
Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety [formerly: Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee]
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: No later than June 1, 2012.
Scope: Shall study the feasibility of assessing a fee for services provided by the State Highway Patrol for certain special events. In conducting this study, the Committee shall determine the costs associated with providing traffic control devices and personnel to provide traffic control and direction at special functions and events. The Committee shall also develop criteria to determine events, if any, for which a fee will be assessed and criteria to determine the amount of the fee, if any, that should be assessed.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS
Authority: Letter of Sept. 15, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on Homeowners Associations
Report to: House of Representatives
Report due: Upon the convening of the 2013 Assembly.
Scope: May study the homeowner protection and participation in the governance of their homeowners associations, particularly as to assessments and record keeping.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION AND THE CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION OF THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS DUTIES AND SERVICES
Authority: SL2011-145 §20.2(a)-(c) HB 200; and SL2011-391 §45(b), HB 22.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: Chairs of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and the Chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee on General Government and Information Technology.
Report due: By May 1, 2012.
Scope: Authorized to study the duties and services of the North Carolina Human Relations Commission and the Civil Rights Division of the Office of Administrative Hearings to determine whether there is unnecessary overlap and duplication of services and recommend the placement of the Commission and Division in the appropriate agency or agencies.20
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
IMMIGRATION POLICY
Authority: Letter of Sept. 26, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on the State's Role in Immigration Policy
Report to: House of Representatives
Report due: Upon the convening of the 2013 Assembly.
Scope: May study the State’s role in immigration policy, including the effectives if laws already in effect pertaining to immigration as well as best practices in other states.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
INACTIVE HAZARDOUS SITE ASSESSING/REMEDIATION COSTS
Authority: SL2011-186 §7, HB 45.
Report by: Environmental Review Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2012 General Assembly upon its convening.
Scope: With the assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, shall study the cost of assessing and remediating inactive hazardous substance or waste disposal sites for which there is no financially viable responsible party. The Commission shall also identify potential sources of funds to address the projected need for assessment and remediation.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
INCAPACITY TO PROCEED
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Incapacity to Proceed Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study the adequacy of the involuntary commitment process for a criminal defendant who lacks the capacity to proceed to trail. The committee may consider the impact of current law on the limited resources of local law enforcement, hospitals, mental health facilities, and the State’s court system while balancing the rights of the accused, victims, and safety and general welfare of the public.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES DEMAND REDUCTION STRATEGIES
Authority: SL2009-451 §15.17, SB 202.
Report by: Office of Indigent Defense Services
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: The Office shall include any proposals in its reports during the 2009-2011 fiscal biennium.
Scope: The Office of Indigent Defense Services shall consult with the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Conference of District Attorneys, the North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission, and other court system actors in formulating proposals aimed at reducing future costs, including the possibility of decriminalizing minor misdemeanor offenses for which jail sentences are rarely or never imposed and improving the manner in which potentially capital cases are screened and processed.
Contact: Thomas Maher21
Office of Indigent Defense Services
(919) 560-3380
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS EVALUATION
Authority: SL2011-145 §6A.19(a)-(g), HB 200.
Report by: Project Team created by chairs of the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives and the Appropriations/Base Budget Committee of the Senate, and monitored by the State Information Technology Operations Evaluation Advisory Committee.
Report to: Chairs of the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives and the Appropriations/Base Budget Committee of the Senate, the chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Technology, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: Beginning October 1, 2011, the project team shall provide quarterly reports.
Scope: Shall conduct a detailed, comprehensive evaluation of information technology operations, infrastructure, systems, ongoing projects, and applications within State government. This evaluation shall include, but is not limited to, the following: (1) Documentation of the information technology organization and function within State government and individual agencies. (2) Development of a complete inventory of information technology assets and resources within the State. (3) Documentation and review of agencies' information technology operations. (4) Documentation of actual agency information technology costs. (5) Identification and documentation of the costs associated with specific information technology projects and support. (6) Identification and documentation of funding sources. (7) Identification and documentation of common requirements for information technology infrastructure, systems, projects, or applications. The General Assembly may enter into any contracts necessary to facilitate completion of this evaluation. The chairs of the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives and the Appropriations/Base Budget Committee of the Senate shall establish a project team to develop an evaluation plan/methodology and manage the day to day operation of the evaluation.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
INFRACTIONS AND WAIVABLE OFFENSES
Authority: SL2011-145 §15.9, HB 200.
Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2012 Regular Session of the 2011 General Assembly upon its convening.
Scope: Shall study the penalties and fines for infractions and waivable offenses and determine whether the current amounts are at a level appropriate for the associated offenses.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
IN-HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR YOUTH
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission In-Home and Community Based Mental Health Services for Youth Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study the development and implementation of a demonstration program for mental health providers providing in home and community based services to you up to age 20 under the State Medicaid program, the purpose of which is to establish reimbursement and regulatory flexibility for provides that demonstrate beneficial outcomes for Medicaid recipients served.22
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
INMATE MEDICAL COST CONTAINMENT IMPACT
Authority: SL2010-31 §19.6(d), SB 897.
Report by: Department of Correction
Report to: Chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety and to the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee.
Report due: By March 1, 2011.
Scope: Shall, in consultation with the Office of State Budget and Management, study the impact on inmate medical costs resulting from the measures set forth in subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section.
Contact: Sherry Pilkington, Legislative Affairs
Department of Correction
(919) 716-3700
INTERBASIN TRANSFERS
Authority: SL2010-155 §5, HB 1765.
Report by: Environmental Review Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2011 General Assembly.
Scope: May study the transfer of surface water from one river basin to another. If the Commission undertakes this study, the Commission shall specifically consider whether certificates for interbasin transfers should contain conditions that require a receiving river basin to first withdraw and transfer surface water from within its major river basin before it may withdraw and transfer surface water from another river basin.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
JOINING OUR BUSINESSES AND SCHOOLS (JOBS)
Authority: SL2009-339, SB 1069.
Report by: Joint Legislative Joining Our Businesses and Schools (JOBS) Study Commission
Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and the General Assembly
Report due: Shall make interim reports no later than May 15, 2010 and also February 1, 2011, final report due on or before May 15, 2012.
Scope: Shall study issues related to connecting career technical education to education, workforce preparation, career clusters, and economic development through innovative schools, and study development of framework/metrics to assess readiness of an area to support STEM-intensive education. (STEM=science, technology, engineering, math) Shall make initial report on results of its study and shall recommend at least four of the 16 career clusters identified by the U.S. Dept. of Education by March 1, 2010 to the State Board of Education (SBOE); may make other recommendations to the SBOE and Dept. of Public Instruction at its discretion; shall monitor implementation, and report and recommend to the General Assembly any legislation necessary for implementation.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
JUDICIAL AND PROSECUTORIAL DISTRICTS CONSOLIDATION
Authority: SL2011-145 §15.11.(a), HB 200.23
Report by: Study Committee on Consolidation of Judicial and Prosecutorial Districts
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Committee may make final report to 2011 General Assembly 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study the number and structure of judicial and prosecutorial districts in the State and shall make recommendations to reduce those districts by consolidation to increase efficiency and improve the quality of justice. Those recommendations shall, to the extent deemed feasible by the Committee, provide for judicial and prosecutorial district plans that are identical.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
LEGACY COSTS FOR THE STATES OBLIGATIONS FOR PENSIONS, RETIREE HEALTH BENEFITS, STATE HEALTH PLAN, AND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Authority: Letter of Sept. 19, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on Legacy Costs for the States Obligations for Pensions, Retiree Health Benefits, State Health Plan, and Unemployment Benefits
Report to: House of Representatives
Report due: Upon the convening of the 2013 Assembly.
Scope: May study the burden being placed on the people of North Carolina by the State’s pension obligations, retiree health benefit obligations, state health plan, and unemployment benefits, as well as the State’s growing liabilities and the effect of those liabilities on the ability of the State to provide core functions of government now and in the future.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
LIFE CYCLE COST ANALYSIS
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Life Cycle Cost Analysis Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study the implementation of revised policies on life cycle cost analysis including material cost index, open bidding for alternate pavement designs for all TIP projects, and the 30 year design periods and 45 year analysis periods based upon actual historic schedules and costs.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
LITERACY AND REMEDIAL/DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION REDUCTION
Authority: SL2011-145 §7.1(a)-(c), HB 200.
Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2012 Regular Session of the 2011 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall study (i) literacy and (ii) ways to reduce the need for remedial or developmental education in the State's higher education institutions so that students and the State do not pay repeatedly for the same education.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.24
LITTER PICKUP REIMBURSEMENT FOR DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
Authority: SL2011-145 §28.26, HB 200.
Report by: Office of State Budget and Management
Report to: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee and to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations
Report due: No later than March 1, 2012.
Scope: In consultation with the Department of Correction and Department of Transportation, shall study performance based reimbursement as an alternative to the current funding mechanism for inmate litter pickup, which consists of a direct appropriation from the Department of Transportation's Highway Fund budget to the Department of Correction. Measures for an alternative funding mechanism may include reimbursements based on total mileage of highways cleaned, per hour reimbursements for non-litter pickup activities, or other factors, as appropriate.
Contact: Charles Perusse, Deputy State Budget Director
Office of State Budget and Management
(919) 807-4700
MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT PRISON FACILITIES
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Contracting for Maintenance Services at Prison Facilities Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study the potential benefits and costs of contracting for maintenance services at prison facilities and report its findings to the 2013 Session of the General Assembly.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
MAKE MANUFACTURE WHILE USING STOLEN IT AN UNFAIR ACT
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Make Manufacture While Using Stolen IT an Unfair Act Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study making manufacture of any article or product while using stolen information technology an unfair act.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
MARINE FISHERIES
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Marine Fisheries Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study the potential impact to the State’s fisheries resources and the economy related to the designation of several new species as coastal game fish, changes to the appointment 25
process and qualification for membership on the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission, creation of a hook and line commercial fishery, elimination of the trawl boat fishery, entering into reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions in regard to conservationism, entering into agreements regarding the delegation of law enforcement powers, potential modification of the Fisheries Reform Act of 1997, and whether Marine Fisheries should be a division of the Coastal Resources Commission of the Wildlife Resources Commission.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
MASS TRANSIT FUNDING
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Transition to Federal and Local Funding for Local Mass Transit Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study issues related to the utilization of federal and local funding sources for local mass transit projects and the elimination of State funding for such projects.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
MECHANICS LIEN ON REAL PROPERTY
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Mechanics Lien on Real Property Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study issues related to mechanic’s lien on real property in North Carolina, including ways to address “hidden” liens in real estate transactions, and any other issues the subcommittee deems relevant to the study.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
MEDIATION SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES EVALUATION
Authority: SL2011-398 §61.1, SB 781.
Report by: Office of Administrative Hearings
Report to: Joint Legislative Regulatory Reform Committee
Report due: By February 1, 2012.
Scope: Shall evaluate the use of mediated settlement conferences under G.S. 150B 23.1 and shall develop a plan to expand the use of mediation in the contested case process.
Contact: Julian Mann, III
Office of Administrative Hearings
(919) 733-2719
MEDICAID COST SAVINGS FROM PROVISION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH SERVICES
Authority: SL2011-145 §10.45(a)-(b), HB 200.26
Report by: Department of Health and Human Services
Report to: House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Health and Human Services and to the Fiscal Research Division
Report due: On or before October 1, 2011.
Scope: Shall study and determine the cost savings that would result for Medicaid if the following measures were implemented: (1) Healthcare providers who have expertise in musculoskeletal conditions and who are willing to assist emergency departments were identified. (2) Evidence based medical criteria were developed, implemented, and supported for high cost/high risk elective musculoskeletal procedures. (3) Patient management services were provided to primary care and emergency department physicians who provided musculoskeletal services.
Contact: Sharnese Ransome, Legislative Liaison
DHHS
(919) 733-4534
MEDICAID PROVIDER RATES
Authority: SL2010-31 §10.25, SB 897.
Report by: Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance
Report to: Governor, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: By April 1, 2011.
Scope: Shall initiate a study or contract out for a study of reimbursement rates for Medicaid providers and program benefits. The study shall include the following information: (1) A comparison of Medicaid reimbursement rates in North Carolina with reimbursement rates in surrounding states and with rates in two additional states; and (2) A comparison of Medicaid program benefits in North Carolina with program benefits provided in surrounding states and with rates in two additional states. Selected provider rates shall be studied for the initial report.
Contact: Sharnese Ransome, Legislative Liaison
DHHS
(919) 733-4534
MEDICAID RECIPIENT APPEALS
Authority: SL2011-145 §10.44, HB 200.
Report by: Department of Health and Human Services
Report to: Not specified
Report due: Not specified
Scope: Shall review the appeals process for adverse Medicaid determinations for Medicaid recipients to examine whether it conforms with, or exceeds, the requirements of federal law.
Contact: Sharnese Ransome, Legislative Liaison
DHHS
(919) 733-4534
METHAMPHETAMINE ABUSE
Authority: Letter of Sept. 15, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on Methamphetamine Abuse
Report to: House of Representatives27
Report due: Upon the convening of the 2013 Assembly.
Scope: May study the provisions, implementation and effects on the production of methamphetamine of House Bill 12 of the 2011 General Assembly, SL2011-250, including the number of methamphetamine labs that are discovered annually, the potential costs of making pseudoephedrine products Schedule III controlled substances, whether more stringent methods for curtailing methamphetamine production should be authorized, and any other issues related to the prevention of methamphetamine abuse.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
METHAMPHETAMINE LAB PREVENTION ACT EFFECTIVENESS
Authority: SL2011-240 §5, HB 12.
Report by: Legislative Commission on Methamphetamine Abuse
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: May make an interim report to the 2012 Regular Session of the 2011 General Assembly and shall make a final report upon the convening of the 2013 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall study (i) the implementation of the provisions in this act, including the number of methamphetamine labs that are discovered annually and (ii) the potential costs of making pseudoephedrine products Schedule III controlled substances.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
METROPOLITAN SEWAGE/WATER SYSTEM
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Metropolitan Sewage/Water System Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study whether requiring large cities that have a municipal water system and that are located entirely within a Metropolitan Sewerage District to convey that water system to the district will improve the efficiency of providing public services.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
MILITARY AFFAIRS
Authority: Letter of Sept. 15, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on Military Affairs
Report to: House of Representatives
Report due: Upon the convening of the 2013 Assembly.
Scope: May study any issues related to supporting and strengthening the military’s presence in North Carolina, including military-related industries, as well as ways the State can support individual serviceman and their families.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
MISDEMEANOR RECLASSIFICATION
Authority: SL2010-31 §19.5, SB 897.
Report by: North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission
Report to: General Assembly28
Report due: 2011 General Assembly
Scope: Shall, in consultation with the Conference of District Attorneys, the Office of Indigent Defense Services, and the School of Government, review all Class 3 misdemeanor offenses and provide recommendations for reclassifying each Class 3 misdemeanor as either an infraction or a Class 2 misdemeanor. The Commission may, in its discretion, consider other misdemeanor offenses for reclassification as infractions.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION CONTRACTS
Authority: SL2011-382 §1-2, HB 763.
Report by: Program Evaluation Division
Report to: Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee, the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee, and the Fiscal Research Division
Report due: Date to be determined by the Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee.
Scope: Evaluate the Division of Motor Vehicles' Commission Contract for the Issuance of Plates and Certificates program, authorized in G.S. 20 63(h), to determine the cost effectiveness and savings that can be effected by changing or maintaining the current operating procedures and to develop any plans or practices that, if implemented, would result in increased operating efficiency of the Division of Motor Vehicles' Commission Contract program.
Contact: John Turcotte, Director
Program Evaluation Division
(919) 301-1402
MUNICIPAL POWER AGENCY RELIEF
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Municipal Power Agency Relief Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Study potential options to provide relief to customers of the joint municipal power agencies from high electric rates, including:(1) The feasibility of refinancing or restructuring the debt of the power agencies.(2) The feasibility of selling assets of the municipalities or the power agencies to lower electric rates or the total amount of debt.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR PRINCIPALS
Authority: SL2010-31 §7.11(c), SB 897.
Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: By March 1, 2011.
Scope: Directed to study a National Board Certification Program for Principals in conjunction with the pilot program being developed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.29
NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID TRACKING
Authority: SL2011-145 §9.11(b), HB 200.
Report by: Fiscal Research Division
Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and to the Education Appropriation Subcommittees of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Report due: By March 1, 2012.
Scope: In cooperation with The University of North Carolina, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc., and the State Education Assistance Authority shall study how to track and document the receipt of The University of North Carolina need based grants, North Carolina Community College need based grants, and the private institutions of higher education need based scholarships by students who enroll in both public and private institutions of higher education while pursuing a baccalaureate or associate degree so that no student receives a combination of these grants or scholarships that exceeds a cumulative total of nine full time academic semesters or 11 full time academic semesters as appropriate. In addition, the study shall (i) consider the need to grant a waiver to the limit imposed on receipt of need based grants or scholarships for those students who encounter legitimate disruptions or interruptions of the academic pursuit of a degree and (ii) determine the appropriate criteria and procedure for extending the eligibility to receive those types of financial aid for an additional period of time. The study shall also examine any potential impact on college completion rates.
Contact: Mark Trogdon, Acting Director
Fiscal Research Division
(919) 733-4910
NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Authority: SL2010-152 §16.1, SB 900
Report by: Institute of Medicine
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, and the General Assembly
Report due: Shall make an interim report no later than January 15, 2012, and shall issue its final report to the 2013 General Assembly upon its convening.
Scope: May convene a Task Force to study the needs of young children with mental health problems and their families. The Task Force shall: (1) Examine the current mental health needs of young children, defined as children from birth to age five. (2) Examine existing public and private systems of mental health care that are currently available to families of young children with mental health problems. (3) Identify evidence-based and promising universal, selective, and indicated prevention strategies to promote the emotional well-being of young children. (4) Identify strategies for early screening and identification of young children with mental health risk factors or mental health problems. The screening and identification strategies shall address the impact of parents' behavioral health problems on the mental health of their young children. (5) Review evidence-based and promising interventions and systems to promote the positive mental health and emotional well-being of young children and their families. (6) Identify strategies to ensure that children who are at high risk of developing mental health problems and their families have access to a comprehensive range of treatments and services, coordinated across agencies and service systems that are (i) culturally, linguistically, and developmentally sensitive; (ii) individualized; (iii) family-centered; (iv) home-, school-, and community-based; and (v) evidence-based. (7) Examine workforce adequacy and training needs of mental health professionals and other professionals who provide services to young children and their families. (8) Examine the adequacy of State and other funding to support a comprehensive array of evidence-based services. (9) Recommend strategies to develop, evaluate, and disseminate treatment and service delivery models to meet young children's mental health needs. (10) Examine any other issue that the NCIOM deems relevant to the study.
Contact: Pam Silberman30
NC Institute of Medicine
(919) 401-6599
NONADMITTED INSURER INTERSTATE AGREEMENT TAX REVENUE IMPACT
Authority: SL2011-120 §1.2, SB 321.
Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2012 Regular Session of the 2011 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall, in cooperation with the Commissioner of Insurance, study the potential impact that would result from the State's entrance into a non-admitted insurance multistate agreement or other compact or interstate agreement for the purpose of carrying out the Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2010 in order to prevent the State from losing revenue after July 21, 2011, the effective date of the Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act. The Committee shall determine if entering into a compact or agreement would result in retention of surplus lines tax revenue for the State and, if so, which compact or agreement would result in the most retention of surplus lines tax revenue for the State and the most cost efficient method of administering the collection and distribution of tax revenues.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD
Authority: SL2011-145 §28.12A, HB 200; AND SL2011-391 §52, HB 22.
Report by: Program Evaluation Division
Report to: Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee and the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee
Report due: No later than November 1, 2012.
Scope: Shall conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the North Carolina Railroad Company, a North Carolina corporation of which the State is the sole shareholder and which is a discretely reported component unit of the State as defined by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.
Contact: John Turcotte, Director
Program Evaluation Division
(919) 301-1402
OFFSHORE EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION RULES
Authority: SL2010-179 §3, SB 836.
Report by: Coastal Resources Commission
Report to: Environmental Review Commission
Report due: On or before April 1, 2011.
Scope: Shall review existing statutes and modify existing rules that pertain to offshore energy exploration and production.
Contact: Steve Underwood, Assistant Director
Coastal Resources Commission
(919) 733-2393
OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION ISSUES
Authority: SL2011-276 §4-6, HB 242.31
Report by: Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Commerce, and the Consumer Protection Division of the Department of Justice
Report to: Environmental Review Commission
Report due: No later than May 1, 2012
Scope: Shall study the issue of oil and gas exploration in the State and the use of directional and horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing for that purpose.
Contact: Elizabeth Biser, Legislative Liaison
DENR
(919) 715-4102
ON-SITE SUBSURFACE WASTEWATER SYSTEM PERMITS
Authority: SL2006-136 §3, HB 1094.
Report by: Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Report to: Environmental Review Commission
Report due: Shall annually report its interim findings beginning October 1, 2007, and shall report its final findings no later than October 1, 2011.
Scope: Shall evaluate whether: (i) the program resulted in a reduction in the length of time improvement permits or authorizations to construct are pending in the participating counties; (ii) the program resulted in increased system failures or other adverse impacts; and (iii) the program resulted in new or increased environmental impacts.
Contact: Elizabeth Biser, Legislative Liaison
DENR
(919) 715-4102
ORDERLY AND EXPEDITIOUS REMOVAL BY LANDLORD OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OF DECEASED
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Orderly and Expeditious Removal by Landlord of Personal Property of Deceased Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: May recommend changes to the General Statutes to provide for the orderly and expeditious removal by a landlord of the personal property of a deceased tenant where the heirs are not readily identifiable or available to take possession of that personal property.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
PASSENGER AND NON-PASSENGER MOTOR FLEET
Authority: SL2011-145 §6.13 (d)-(e), HB 200.
Report by: Program Evaluation Division
Report to: Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee
Report due: No later than May 1, 2012.
Scope: Shall study all passenger and non-passenger vehicles owned and operated by all State government departments, institutions, and entities. The study shall include motor fleet fees and associated cash balances, mechanic operations, the use and purpose of assigned vehicles, and State fueling stations and associated fees.
Contact: John Turcotte, Director
Program Evaluation Division32
(919) 301-1402
PRETRIAL RELEASE
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Pretrial Release Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study methods for achieving increased efficiencies and outcomes in the pretrial release process and procedures.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
PRISON MAINTENANCE CONTRACTING
Authority: SL2011-412 §1.1-1.2, HB 335.
Report by: Department of Correction (Department of Public Safety after Jan. 1, 2012).
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2013 Session of the General Assembly
Scope: Shall study the potential benefits and costs of contracting for maintenance services at prison facilities and report its findings to the 2013 Session of the General Assembly. The Department shall not expand private maintenance contracts to additional prison facilities unless authorized by the 2013 Session of the General Assembly.
Contact: Sherry Pilkington, Legislative Affairs
Department of Correction
(919) 716-3700
PROBATION/PAROLE OFFICER WORKLOAD
Authority: SL2011-145 §18.13(b)-(b), HB 200.
Report by: Department of Correction
Report to: House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety
Report due: By January 1, 2013.
Scope: Shall conduct a study of probation/parole officer workload. The study shall include analysis of the type of offenders supervised, the distribution of the probation/parole officers' time by type of activity, the caseload carried by the officers, and comparisons to practices in other states. The study shall be used to determine whether the caseload goals established by the Structured Sentencing Act are still appropriate, based on the nature of the offenders supervised and the time required to supervise those offenders.
Contact: Sherry Pilkington, Legislative Affairs
Department of Correction
(919) 716-3700
PROPERTY INSURANCE RATE MAKING
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Property Insurance Rate Making Committee pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission meeting of Sept. 14, 2011; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission33
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Prior to the convening of the 2011 General Assembly, 2012 Regular Session.
Scope: Shall study the adequacy of citizen input in property insurance rate making and the manner in which property insurances rates are proposed, reviewed, approved, and appealed, and the adequacy under current law of the current process.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
PROSECUTORIAL SERVICES OFFICE FEASIBILITY
Authority: SL2011-145 §15.7(a), HB 200.
Report by: UNC School of Government
Report to: House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Justice and Public Safety.
Report due: By April 1, 2012.
Scope: Shall study the feasibility and cost of creating an Office of Prosecutorial Services within the judicial branch. The study shall compare North Carolina's judicial branch structure to that of other states in terms of organizational placement of prosecutorial and defense services within the context of the unified court system and shall also determine the necessary resources and costs required to make an Office of Prosecutorial Services viable as an independent agency under the judicial branch.
Contact: (919) 966-5381
PROSECUTORS’ OFFICES COSTS
Authority: SL2011-145 §15.7(b), HB 200.
Report by: Conference of District Attorneys
Report to: Not specified
Report due: Not specified
Scope: Contract for fiscal management and analysis services to analyze the differences between budgeted and actual position and associated costs in prosecutors' offices.
Contact: (919) 890-1500
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS REFORM
Authority: SL2011-145 §29.20(a)-(e), HB 200.
Report by: Legislative Services Commission, jointly through the Fiscal Research and Program Evaluation Divisions
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: By May 1, 2012.
Scope: It is the intent of the General Assembly to create and implement a modernized, fair, and fully functional performance based compensation system for employees of State agencies, departments, institutions, The University of North Carolina System, the North Carolina Community College System, and local education agencies. To that end, the Legislative Services Commission, jointly through the Fiscal Research and Program Evaluation Divisions, is directed to commission a review and study of the current compensation plans of State agencies, departments, institutions, The University of North Carolina System, the North Carolina Community College System, and local education agencies (government sectors). The Legislative Services Commission may use a Request for Information process or a Request for Proposals process to contract with a qualified consulting firm to perform this review and study.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.34
PUBLIC FUNDING OF COUNCIL OF STATE ELECTIONS
Authority: SL2010-169 §26(a), SB 900
Report by: Public Funding of Council of State Elections Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Shall report on or before March 1, 2011.
Scope: Shall study funding sources and financial needs of existing programs of public financing of elections, and whether to expand program to include remainder of the Council of State. Shall study First Amendment issues and all legal precedents.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
Authority: Letter of Sept. 15, 2011, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on Public-Private Partnerships
Report to: House of Representatives
Report due: Upon the convening of the 2013 Assembly.
Scope: May study issues related to public-private partnerships, including examination of the appropriate authority for State, regional and local government units to engage in public-private partnerships for public capital projects through a regulatory framework. As part of its study, the committee may study infrastructure banks and any other relevant issues it deems appropriate.
Contact: See Committee listing