2015-2016
LEGISLATIVE COMMISSIONS
NON-STANDING COMMITTEES
INTERIM STUDIES
LEGISLATIVE ANALYSIS DIVISION
LEGISLATIVE SERVICES OFFICE
NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
545 LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING
300 N. SALISBURY STREET
RALEIGH, NC 27603-5925
2015-2016 Final Edition [December 2016]
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 2015 General Assembly, or that are due during the 2015-2016 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.
This publication is also available on our website, www.ncleg.net.
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
ACADEMIC STANDARDS REVIEW .................................................................................................................... 1
ACCESS TO PUBLIC LANDS (LRC) ..................................................................................................................... 1
ACHIEVEMENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS ................................................................................................................ 1
ADULT PREVENTIVE SERVICES COVERAGE WITHOUT COST-SHARING ........................................................... 2
ALTERNATIVE APPROVAL METHODS .............................................................................................................. 2
BACKGROUND CHECKS IN PRIVATE FIREARMS TRANSACTIONS ..................................................................... 2
BARRIERS TO SMALL BUSINESS ACCESS TO CREDIT AND CAPITAL (LRC) ......................................................... 3
BASE BUDGET ADJUSTMENT PLAN ................................................................................................................. 3
BEACH EROSION ............................................................................................................................................ 3
BICYCLE SAFETY LAWS ................................................................................................................................... 4
BOARD OF REVIEW ........................................................................................................................................ 4
BROADBAND/FIBER-OPTIC IN DOT RIGHT-OF-WAY FEES ............................................................................... 4
BROUGHTON HOSPITAL FACILITIES FUTURE USE ........................................................................................... 5
BUILDING AND INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OF THE STATE ............................................................................... 5
BURDEN OF PROOF IN CONTESTED CASES ..................................................................................................... 5
CAPE FEAR RIVER BASIN WATER RESOURCES AVAILABILITY ........................................................................... 5
CAPITAL CASE PROSECUTION ......................................................................................................................... 6
CHARTER SCHOOL CLOSURE FUNDS ............................................................................................................... 6
CHILD CARE SUBSIDY RATE SETTING .............................................................................................................. 7
COAL ASH USE ............................................................................................................................................... 7
COASTAL COUNTIES ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION TO STATE .......................................................................... 7
COASTAL WATER QUALITY AND COASTAL STORMWATER REQUIREMENTS .................................................. 7
COMMERCIAL FREIGHT RAIL SERVICE IN JACKSONVILLE ................................................................................ 8
COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING AND ASSESSMENTS FEASIBILITY ................................................................ 8
COMPULSORY POOLING RULES AND DORMANT MINERAL STATUTES ........................................................... 8
COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, TELEVISION, AND ELECTRONICS RECYCLING PROGRAM ....................................... 9
CONCEAL CARRY IN STATE FAIR PARKING LOTS .............................................................................................. 9
CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING ................................................................................................................ 10
CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ................................................................................ 10
CONTESTED CASES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS ................................................................................... 10
CONTRACTING SPECIALIST AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION .................... 11
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES SCHEDULING WITHOUT LEGISLATION ............................................................. 11
COUNCIL OF STATE COMPENSATION ........................................................................................................... 11
COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN ..................................................................................................................... 11
COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN ASSISTANCE PILOT ....................................................................................... 12
DATA SECURITY ........................................................................................................................................... 12
DEBT AFFORDABILITY FOR UNC .................................................................................................................... 12
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES AND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ORGANIZATIONAL EFFICIENCIES ......................................................................................... 13
DEWATER LEACHATE/WASTEWATER BURDEN/COST .................................................................................. 13
DNA COLLECTION FOR ANY FELONY ............................................................................................................. 13
DORMANT MINERAL STATUTES ................................................................................................................... 14
DOT CASH MANAGEMENT POLICIES ............................................................................................................ 14
DOWNSTREAM INUNDATION MAP PREPARATION ...................................................................................... 14
DRIVERS EDUCATION .................................................................................................................................. 14
DRUG FORMULARY IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS ....................................................................... 15
EARLY EDUCATION AND FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS ............................................................................... 15 ii
EDUCATION STRATEGY AND PRACTICES ...................................................................................................... 15
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COMPENSATION ........................................................................ 16
E-PROCUREMENT SERVICE MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................. 16
ERIN’S LAW [SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN] ................................................................................................. 16
EVEN NUMBERED YEAR MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS .......................................................................................... 17
FEDERAL FUNDS SUPPORTED PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION ....................................................................... 17
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ................ 17
FLOOD ELEVATIONS AND BUILDING HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 17
FOR-HIRE RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSEE LOGBOOK .............................................................................. 18
FUTURE OF INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES COMMISSION AND INNOCENCE INQUIRY COMMISSION ........... 18
GROUNDWATER STANDARDS ...................................................................................................................... 18
HANDICAPPED PLACARD MISUSE ................................................................................................................. 19
HOMELESS YOUTH, FOSTER CARE AND DEPENDENCY (LRC) ........................................................................ 19
IMPAIRED WATER BODIES IN-SITU STRATEGIES ........................................................................................... 19
IMPROPER POSTING OF IMAGES OF PEOPLE SUPERIMPOSED ON IMAGES SHOWING SEXUAL CONDUCT .. 20
INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES OFFICE FEE SCHEDULES ................................................................................ 20
INMATE HEALTH SERVICES CONTRACT EXPANSION ..................................................................................... 20
INNOVATIONS WAIVER TO ADDRESS THE WAITLIST AND FEDERAL CHANGES ............................................. 20
JOB DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT GRANT PROGRAM .................................................................................. 21
JOINT/MULTIPLE AGENCY MOTOR FUELS TAX EXEMPTION ......................................................................... 21
JURY SERVICE EXCUSALS .............................................................................................................................. 21
JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ............................................................................. 22
JUVENILE LITERACY PROGRAM .................................................................................................................... 22
K-12 CYBERSECURITY .................................................................................................................................. 23
LANDSMEN REGISTRATION AND LICENSING ................................................................................................ 23
LINEAR UTILITY PROJECT EXEMPTION FROM CERTAIN REGULATION .......................................................... 23
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY OF WASTE MANAGEMENT .................................................................... 24
LOW-PERFORMING CHARTER SCHOOLS STANDARDS .................................................................................. 24
LOW-RISK COAL ASH IMPOUNDMENT ......................................................................................................... 24
MARKET-BASED SOURCING .......................................................................................................................... 24
MEDICAID AND NC HEALTH CHOICE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDER CLASSIFICATION EVALUATION ........ 25
MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH SERVICES .................................................................... 25
MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR VISUAL AIDS ...................................................................................................... 25
MEDICAID WAIVER FOR CHILDREN WITH SERIOUS EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE .......................................... 26
MINIMUM VALUE REQUIREMENT FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS ......................................................................... 26
MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION STOPS PROCESS ............................................................................................ 26
MUNICIPAL SERVICE DISTRICTS (LRC) ........................................................................................................... 27
MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES ADMISSION FEES ........................................ 27
NC PRE-K SLOTS COSTS AND EFFECTIVENESS ............................................................................................... 27
NEGLIGENT/RECKLESS HUNTING PROVISIONS REVIEW ............................................................................... 28
911 SYSTEM UNIFORM PROCUREMENT AND PRICING ................................................................................. 28
NUTRIENT IMPACT FEES ............................................................................................................................... 28
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES .......................................................................... 28
OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARD OVERSIGHT REVIEW ............................................................................ 29
OFF-HIGHWAY PARKING FOR TRACTOR-TRAILERS AND SEMI-TRAILERS ...................................................... 29
OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY EFFECT ON PROPERTY TAX ..................................................................................... 29
ON-SITE WASTEWATER INSPECTION ............................................................................................................ 30
OPTOMETRY SCHOOL AT WINGATE UNIVERSITY ......................................................................................... 30
OUT-OF-STATE COASTAL STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION AND BEACH NOURISHMENT PROJECTS BENEFITS 31
PERSONAL CARE SERVICES MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................. 31
PRETREATMENT, EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND COLLECTION SYSTEM (PERCS) PERMITTING PROGRAM .... 31
PRIVATE/PUBLIC PROPERTY INVENTORY ..................................................................................................... 32
PROBATION AND PAROLE VEHICLES MANAGEMENT AND UTILIZATION ...................................................... 32
PROBATION/PAROLE OFFICER STATE VEHICLE USE ...................................................................................... 32 iii
PROPOSED TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS PROTECTION PROCESS ............................................................ 32
PROTECTED ANIMALS STATUS ..................................................................................................................... 33
PUBLIC SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION NEEDS...................................................................................................... 33
REGULATORY AND RATE ISSUES IN INSURANCE (LRC) .................................................................................. 33
REMOTE ACCESS TO INDIGENT CLIENTS BY ATTORNEYS .............................................................................. 33
RENT-BASED MODEL FOR STATE-OWNED FACILITIES .................................................................................. 34
RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT SERVICES ADEQUACY OF RATES ......................................................................... 34
RESOLUTION OF FUNDING DISPUTES BETWEEN LOCAL EDUCATION BOARDS AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ............................................................................................................................... 34
RIPARIAN BUFFER RULES REGULATORY RELIEF ............................................................................................ 35
SATELLITE OFFICE NEED FOR CAPITAL CASES ............................................................................................... 35
SAVINGS RESERVE ACCOUNT (LRC) .............................................................................................................. 36
SCHOOL-BASED ADMINISTRATOR PAY ......................................................................................................... 36
SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION NEEDS .................................................................................................................. 36
SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE SUSTAINABILITY ................................................................................................ 36
STATE CRIME LAB AND OFFICE OF THE STATE MEDICAL EXAMINER MERGER .............................................. 37
STATE PARKS AND TRAILS SIGNAGE ............................................................................................................. 37
STATUARY HALL SELECTION ......................................................................................................................... 37
STEP THERAPY ............................................................................................................................................. 38
STORMWATER AND WATER PROJECT MATERIALS FAIR COMPETITION ....................................................... 38
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT LAWS/RULES REVIEW ................................................................................. 38
STRATEGIC TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND LONG TERM FUNDING SOLUTIONS ................................... 38
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IMPROVED OUTCOMES ............................................................................... 39
SUBDIVISION STREET ACCEPTANCE AS PUBLIC STREET PROCESS ................................................................. 39
TURNPIKE AUTHORITY PROCESSING FEE ...................................................................................................... 39
UNPAVED/SECONDARY ROAD SAFETY ......................................................................................................... 40
UTILITIES COMMISSION FEES AND CHARGES ............................................................................................... 40
UTILITY-BASED COMPUTING BY AGENCIES .................................................................................................. 40
VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTIONS ............................................................................................................... 40
VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOL (NCVPS) ALTERNATIVE FUNDING FORMULA ....................................................... 41
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION ........................................................................ 41
WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PERMIT VALIDITY PERIOD ............................................................. 41
WASTEWATER TREATMENT STANDARDS ..................................................................................................... 42
WILDLIFE RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................. 42
ZIP-LINE REGULATION ................................................................................................................................. 42
PART II : STUDY COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES, AND TASK FORCES ......................................................... 45
ACADEMIC STANDARDS REVIEW COMMISSION ........................................................................................... 45
ACCESS TO PUBLIC LANDS COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ......................................... 46
ACHIEVEMENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON .......................................................... 47
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE ............................................ 48
AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY AWARENESS STUDY COMMISSION .............................................................. 49
AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL AND ECONOMIC RESOURCES, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON ..................................................................................................................................................... 51
BARRIERS TO SMALL BUSINESS ACCESS TO CREDIT AND CAPITAL COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION .................................................................................................................................... 54
BUILDING AND INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OF THE STATE, BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION TO STUDY THE ....... 55
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON .............................................. 56
CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON .............................................................. 58
COURTS COMMISSION ................................................................................................................................ 60
DISADVANTAGED MINORITY-OWNED AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES PROGRAM, JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ............................................................ 62
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE ... 63
EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE .......................................................................... 65 iv
EDUCATION STRATEGY AND PRACTICES, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON .................................................. 68
ELECTIONS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE ........................................................................... 69
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE ............................................... 71
ENERGY POLICY, JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON ............................................................................... 73
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ........................................................................................ 74
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMISSION .................................................................................................... 74
ETHICS COMMISSION, STATE ....................................................................................................................... 76
ETHICS COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE ............................................................................................................... 77
GENERAL GOVERNMENT, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON ............................................... 78
GENERAL STATUTES COMMISSION .............................................................................................................. 80
GLOBAL TRANSPARK AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................. 81
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON ....................................................... 82
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON ..................................... 85
HOMELESS YOUTH, FOSTER CARE AND DEPENDENCY COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION .......................................................................................................................................................... 88
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON ........................................ 89
JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON .......................................... 90
LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ......................................................................................................... 93
LEGISLATIVE SERVICES COMMISSION .......................................................................................................... 94
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ........................................................................ 95
LOTTERY, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE ......................... 97
MEDICAID AND NC HEALTH CHOICE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON ............................... 98
METHAMPHETAMINE ABUSE, LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON .................................................................. 100
MUNICIPAL INCORPORATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT ................................................................................................................................ 100
MUNICIPAL SERVICE DISTRICTS COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION .............................. 101
PERMANENCY INNOVATION INITIATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ............................................................ 102
PROGRAM EVALUATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE .................................................... 103
REGULATORY AND RATE ISSUES IN INSURANCE COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ..... 105
REVENUE LAWS STUDY COMMITTEE ......................................................................................................... 106
RULES REVIEW COMMISSION..................................................................................................................... 108
SAVINGS RESERVE ACCOUNT COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION .................................. 109
SCHOOL-BASED ADMINISTRATOR PAY, JOINT LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMITTEE ON ................................. 110
SENIOR TAR HEEL LEGISLATURE ................................................................................................................. 111
SENTENCING AND POLICY ADVISORY COMMISSION .................................................................................. 111
STATUARY HALL SELECTION COMMITTEE .................................................................................................. 113
STEP THERAPY, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ........................................................................................ 113
STRATEGIC TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND LONG TERM FUNDING SOLUTIONS, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ............................................................................................................................... 115
TRANSPORTATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE ............................................................. 116
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON ..................................... 119
WILDLIFE RESOURCES, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ............................................................................ 120
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM REFORM OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE ................ 121
INDEX ................................................................................................................................................. 123
1
PART I : STUDIES & REPORTS BY SUBJECT
ACADEMIC STANDARDS REVIEW
Authority: SL2014-78 §2(a), SB 812.
Report by: Academic Standards Review Commission
Report to: State Board of Education, and the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee
Report due: Shall make a final report to the 2016 Session of the 2015 General Assembly.
Scope: Commission shall: (1) Conduct a comprehensive review of all English Language Arts and Mathematics standards that were adopted by the State Board of Education under G.S. 115C-12(9c) and propose modifications to ensure that those standards meet all of the following criteria: a. Increase students' level of academic achievement. b. Meet and reflect North Carolina's priorities. c. Are age-level and developmentally appropriate. d. Are understandable to parents and teachers. e. Are among the highest standards in the nation. (2) As soon as practicable upon convening, and at any time prior to termination, recommend changes and modifications to these academic standards to the State Board of Education. (3) Recommend to the State Board of Education assessments aligned to proposed changes and modifications that would also reduce the number of high-stakes assessments administered to public schools. (4) Consider the impact on educators, including the need for professional development, when making any of the recommendations required in this section. The Commission shall assemble content experts to assist it in evaluating the rigor of academic standards. The Commission shall also involve interested stakeholders in this process and otherwise ensure that the process is transparent.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
ACCESS TO PUBLIC LANDS (LRC)
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission, Committee on Access to Public Lands pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission letter of January 28, 2016; G.S. 120-30.17; and SL2015-144 §3(a)-(b), HB 640.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Reports to the 2016 General Assembly are due on or before April 15, 2016, final reports are due on or before December 16, 2016.
Scope: Shall examine the ways in which the public land management plans affect opportunities to engage in outdoor recreational activities and make recommendations for increasing the public's opportunities to access public land for those purposes.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
ACHIEVEMENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Authority: Letter of January 14, 2016, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on Achievement School Districts
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: May submit an interim report at any time and final report prior to the convening of the 2017 General Assembly.
Scope: May study research on existing achievement school districts, integration within traditional K-12 school districts, the current North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's district and school transformation program, and any other issue it deems relevant to this study.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
2
ADULT PREVENTIVE SERVICES COVERAGE WITHOUT COST-SHARING
Authority: SL2016-94 §12H.8(a), (c), HB 1030.
Report by: Division of Medical Assistance, Department of Health and Human Services
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice and the Fiscal Research Division
Report due: Shall submit a report detailing the changes made as a result of this study no later than 30 days after implementation of the changes.
Scope: Shall study the impact of covering, without cost-sharing, all of the adult preventive services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in order to qualify for a one percentage point increase in the federal Medicaid assistance percentage for preventative services.
Contact: Brian Perkins
Director of Government Affairs
(919) 855-4905
ALTERNATIVE APPROVAL METHODS
Authority: SL2015-145 §2, HB 255.
Report by: North Carolina Building Code Council
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Upon the convening 2016 Regular Session of the 2015 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall study procedures and policies for the approval of alternative materials, designs, or methods. The study shall include review of the following elements: (1) The alternate methods application process, including requirements for initial application submittal, supporting information, and site-specific or project-specific application submittals. (2) Time lines for the application process, including application submittal, Council review, and final approval or denial of applications, including the feasibility of a requirement that final determinations be rendered on a completed application within 30 days of the date an application is determined to be complete. (3) Procedures for appeal of applications denied by the Council.
In conducting the study, the Council may utilize support services provided by staff from the Engineering Division of the Department of Insurance.
Contact: Building Code Council
(919) 661-5880
BACKGROUND CHECKS IN PRIVATE FIREARMS TRANSACTIONS
Authority: SL2015-195 §10.5, HB 562.
Report by: Department of Public Safety
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety
Report due: On or before January 1, 2019.
Scope: In consultation with the Office of Information Technology Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall study the development of a system to allow a background check to be conducted in private transfers of firearms. The study shall consider methods that would allow the seller or transferor to access the Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Automated Data Services (CJLEADS), the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), or another similar system that would provide information to the seller or transferor regarding the purchaser or transferee's eligibility to purchase a pistol.
Contact: Thomas Andrew Brandon
Legislative Liaison
(919) 436-3108
3
BARRIERS TO SMALL BUSINESS ACCESS TO CREDIT AND CAPITAL (LRC)
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission, Committee on Barriers to Small Business Access to Credit and Capital pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission letter of January 28, 2016; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Shall report to LRC by April 15, 2016, which shall report to the 2016 Regular Session of the 2015 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall examine the obstacles facing small businesses in their efforts to obtain necessary capital and credit, and the impact of those barriers upon the businesses and the larger economy.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
BASE BUDGET ADJUSTMENT PLAN
Authority: SL2016-94 §27.1, HB 1030.
Report by: Office of State Budget and Management
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on General Government
Report due: Shall present its proposed plan and recommendations to the December 2016 meeting of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on General Government.
Scope: Shall study the feasibility of converting the following Funds within Budget Code 13410, Department of the State Treasurer, from receipt-supported to General Fund-supported: 1110 General Administration, 1130 Escheat Fund, 1150 Information Services, 1210 Investment Management Division, 1310 Local Government, 1410 Retirement Operations Division Fund, and 1510 Financial Operations Division. And, shall develop a proposed plan and schedule to adjust the Base Budget as follows:(1) Show that receipts from the Funds listed in this subsection are used to offset General Fund appropriations. (2) Reflect that receipts generated from the Investment Management Division, the Escheat Fund, and the Local Government Operations Division Fund and any interest earnings be deposited as nontax revenue. (3) Eliminate all transfers used to pay for administration in Funds 1110, 1150, and 1510 from Funds 1130, 1210, 1310, and 1410. (4) Identify any amendments to current law needed to implement the proposed plan. (5) Require the Department of the State Treasurer's expenditures be recorded in the North Carolina Accounting System in the appropriate budget code, fund code, and account code and not be charged directly to the Investment Asset Classes.
Contact: Melanie Jennings
Communications Manager
(919) 814-2116
BEACH EROSION
Authority: SL2015-241 §14.10I(a)-(b), HB 97.
Report by: Division of Coastal Management, Department of Environmental Quality
Report to: Environmental Review Commission, the chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Natural and Economic Resources and the House Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Natural, and Economic Resources, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: By February 15, 2016.
Scope: Shall study and develop a proposed strategy for preventing, mitigating, and remediating the effects of beach erosion. The study shall consider efforts by other states and countries to prevent beach erosion and ocean overwash and to renourish and sustain beaches and coastlines and incorporate best practices into the strategy.
Contact: Caroline Barrett Daly
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-8625
4
BICYCLE SAFETY LAWS
Authority: SL2015-45, HB 232.
Report by: Department of Transportation
Report to: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee
Report due: On or before December 31, 2015.
Scope: Shall study the bicycle safety laws in this State. The study shall focus on what statutory revisions, if any, are needed to better ensure the safety of bicyclists and motorists. In doing so, the Department shall consider at least all of the following: (1) How faster-moving vehicles may safely overtake bicycles on roadways where sight distance may be inhibited. (2) Whether bicyclists on a roadway should be required to ride single file or allowed to ride two or more abreast. (3) Whether bicyclists should be required to carry a form of identification. (4) Any other issues determined relevant by the Department.
In conducting the study required by this act, the Department shall convene a working group of interested parties knowledgeable and interested in the bicycle safety laws of this State.
Contact: Mary Lynn Jernigan
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-2800
BOARD OF REVIEW
Authority: SL2015-238 §3.4, SB 15.
Report by: Program Evaluation Division
Report to: Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee, and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Unemployment Insurance
Report due: By March 1, 2016.
Scope: The Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee shall include in the 2015-2017 Work Plan for the Program Evaluation Division of the General Assembly a study of the value provided to the State by the Board of Review (BOR).
The study should include the following: (1) A cost-benefit analysis of the State provision of a higher level of appeal of decisions for the Division of Employment Security through the BOR: (2) A comparison to other states with BOR functions on the same factors enumerated in subdivision (1) of this section. (3) A determination of how the cost of BOR compares to the monetary value derived from the BOR appeals function. (4) A determination if BOR resources could be applied more efficiently and effectively to provide equivalent value to the State. (5) An identification of noneconomic or nonquantifiable justifications, if any, of a BOR function. (6) Any Program Evaluation Division recommendations for administrative or legislative consideration.
Contact: John Turcott
Director, PED
(919) 301-1404
BROADBAND/FIBER-OPTIC IN DOT RIGHT-OF-WAY FEES
Authority: SL2016-90 §2(b), HB959.
Report by: Department of Transportation
Report to: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee
Report due: On or before December 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study the issue of administrative fees for encroachments pursuant to G.S. 136-18(2)c.
Contact: Mary Lynn Jernigan
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-2800
5
BROUGHTON HOSPITAL FACILITIES FUTURE USE
Authority: SL2014-100 §15.20(a)-(c), SB 744; and SL2016-94 §15.5(a).
Report by: Department of Commerce
Report to: Chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services, the Chairs of the Joint Legislative Committee on Economic Development and Global Engagement, and the Chairs of the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations.
Report due: An interim report no later than December 31, 2014, and a final report no later than June 30, 2016.
Scope: Shall, in conjunction with Department of Health and Human Services, the City of Morganton, and the County of Burke, study potential uses for vacated Broughton Hospital facilities and potential development or redevelopment of adjoining State-owned properties to ascertain the economic benefits of use, development, and redevelopment.
Contact: Ashley Jones. Legislative Affairs Director
Department of Commerce
(919) 733-4151
BUILDING AND INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OF THE STATE
Authority: SL2014-42 §8, HB 1043; and, SL2016-24, SB748.
Report By: Blue Ribbon Commission to Study the Building and Infrastructure Needs of the State
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: May make an interim report to the 2015 General Assembly and shall make a final report to the 2017 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall study the following matters related to building and infrastructure needs, including new repairs, renovations, expansion, and new construction, in North Carolina: (1)The anticipated building construction needs of State agencies, The University of North Carolina, and North Carolina System of Community Colleges until 2025. (2)The anticipated water and sewer infrastructure construction needs of counties and cities until 2025. (3)The anticipated building needs of the local school boards until 2025.(4)The anticipated costs of such building and infrastructure needs. (5)A process that would prioritize needs within each infrastructure category and among all categories, with an emphasis on developing criteria that focus on public safety and economic development. (6)The feasibility of establishing a building and infrastructure fund, which would be a dedicated source of revenue for capital funding for counties, cities, local school boards, The University of North Carolina, the North Carolina System of Community Colleges, and State agencies. (7)Funding options for meeting the anticipated capital needs until 2025. (8) Other matters the Commission deems relevant and related.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
BURDEN OF PROOF IN CONTESTED CASES
Authority: SL2015-286 §1.2(b), HB 765.
Report by: Joint Legislative Administrative Procedure Oversight Committee
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Not specified
Scope: Shall study whether there are other categories of contested cases in which the burden of proof should be placed with the agency.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
CAPE FEAR RIVER BASIN WATER RESOURCES AVAILABILITY
Authority: SL2015-196 §1, HB 186; SL2015-264 §86.2, SB 119.
Report by: Environmental Review Commission
Report to: General Assembly 6
Report due: May submit an interim report to the 2016 Regular Session of the 2015 General Assembly, and shall submit a final report to the 2017 General Assembly.
Scope: With the assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, shall study the aggregate uses of groundwater and surface water in or affecting the Cape Fear River Basin by all users, including, but not limited to, public water systems, industrial facilities, and agricultural operations. The study shall include all of the following elements: (i) a summary of the current and 50-year projected water-use demands along with the available water supplies for those portions within the Cape Fear River Basin; (ii) an evaluation of the adequacy of currently available supplies to meet the expected long-term needs for all water demands, including the identification of those areas of the basin that do not have a sustainable long-term water supply for the anticipated growth of that area; (iii) the identification of potential conflicts among the various users and recommendations for developing and enhancing coordination among users and groups of users in order to avoid or minimize those conflicts; and (iv) an enhanced review of the portions of the Cape Fear River Basin within Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties addressing the increased demands on groundwater and limited surface water options in that area.
All the information and any analytical tools, such as models, employed in the conduct of the study shall be made available electronically for public review and use on the Web site of the Department's Division of Water Resources.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
CAPITAL CASE PROSECUTION
Authority: SL2016-94 §19A.3(a), HB 1030
Report by: Office of Indigent Defense Services
Report to: Chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety
Report due: On or before January 1, 2019.
Scope: In consultation with the Conference of District Attorneys, shall study what changes can be made to the current system of identifying, from the pool of cases in which a defendant is charged with first degree or undesignated murder, those that merit the cost of a capital prosecution and defense. The study shall also examine what steps can be taken to facilitate the appointment of local counsel in most cases and determine if any costs or savings may be realized by changing the current procedures for prosecuting or defending capital cases. Contact: Thomas K. Maher
Executive Director (919) 354-7200
CHARTER SCHOOL CLOSURE FUNDS
Authority: SL2015-241 §8.28(a)-(b), HB 97.
Report by: State Board of Education
Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee
Report due: By February 15, 2016.
Scope: Shall study and develop a proposed policy regarding circumstances in which a charter school, approved by the State Board pursuant to G.S. 115C-218.5, shall not be subject to the minimum value requirement of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) as required by G.S. 115C-218.100 for the purposes of ensuring payment of expenses related to closure proceedings. The State Board shall consider providing certain charter schools with a total or partial waiver of the requirement. In doing so, the State Board shall examine criteria for potentially eligible charter schools, such as the years of operation of the charter school, proven compliance with finance, governance, academic requirements of its charter, State law, and State Board policy requirements, as well as appropriate documentation to show the charter school's financial health and sustainability.
Contact: Martez Hill
Executive Director
(919) 807-3608 7
CHILD CARE SUBSIDY RATE SETTING
Authority: SL2016-94 §12B.2, HB 1030.
Report by: Division of Child Development and Early Education, Department of Health and Human Services
Report to: House Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division
Report due: By March 1, 2017
Scope: Shall study how rates are set for child care subsidy. In conducting the study, the Division shall, at a minimum, review market rate studies and other methodologies for establishing rates, including any cost estimation models, along with the pros and cons of each method reviewed.
Contact: Brian Perkins
Director of Government Affairs
(919) 855-4905
COAL ASH USE
Authority: SL2015-241 §14.27, HB 97.
Report by: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University Energy Center
Report to: Not specified
Report due: Not specified
Scope: Shall study the beneficial reuse of coal combustion residuals and the preparation and prosecution of a patent application covering any reuse technology developed at the center.
Contact: Erin Schuettpelz
Director of State Government Relations
(919) 962-7296
COASTAL COUNTIES ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION TO STATE
Authority: SL2016-94 §14.22(c), HB 1030.
Report by: Department of Commerce
Report to: Department of Environmental Quality, and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources
Report due: No later than November 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study and provide an executive summary of readily available economic data related to the 20 coastal counties of the State for the purpose of quantifying the contribution of the coastal economy to the economy of the State as a whole, considering, at a minimum, the benefits of travel and tourism, small businesses, job creation and opportunity, and tax revenues, including property, sales, and income taxes.
Contact: Ashley Elizabeth Jones
Legislative Liaison
(919) 715-2785
COASTAL WATER QUALITY AND COASTAL STORMWATER REQUIREMENTS
Authority: SL2015-286 §4.19, HB 765.
Report by: Department of Environmental Quality
Report to: Environmental Review Commission
Report due: No later than April 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall evaluate the water quality of surface waters in the Coastal Counties and the impact of stormwater on this water quality. The Department shall study and determine the maximum allowable built-upon area for the low density state stormwater option as directly related to the length of grassed swale treatment length; therefore providing data for a property to 8
achieve increased built-upon area above current limits by providing a longer length of grassed swale through which the stormwater must pass. If it is determined that increases in the percentage of built-upon area can be allowed in this way without detriment to the water quality, the Department shall submit recommendations to the General Assembly for the levels of increases in built-upon area that can be supported with corresponding increases in the length of grassed swale through which the stormwater shall pass.
Contact: Caroline Barrett Daly
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-8625
COMMERCIAL FREIGHT RAIL SERVICE IN JACKSONVILLE
Authority: SL2015-241 §29.21(a)-(b), HB 97.
Report by: Rail Division, Department of Transportation
Report to: Chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee on the Department of Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation Appropriations
Report due: By July 1, 2016.
Scope: In collaboration with the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Air Base, the Jacksonville Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, the City of Jacksonville, Onslow County, and the Norfolk Southern Railway Company, shall study the feasibility and advisability of establishing a commercial freight rail service along the Camp Lejeune rail line located in Onslow County, North Carolina. The study shall include all of the following: (1) An evaluation of the maintenance needs of the existing rail line and any enhancements needed to support commercial freight access. (2) An evaluation of the use of partnership opportunities to complete long-term maintenance and enhancements in order to minimize the cost burden for all parties involved. (3) Any other matters that the Rail Division deems relevant to the study.
Contact: Mary Lynn Jernigan
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-2800
COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING AND ASSESSMENTS FEASIBILITY
Authority: SL2015-241 §8.12(b), HB 97.
Report by: State Board of Education
Report to: Not specified
Report due: Not specified
Scope: In order to develop the use of competency-based assessments for all elementary and secondary public school students in North Carolina in accordance with subsection SL2015-241 §8.12(a), the State Board of Education is encouraged to evaluate the feasibility of integrating competency-based assessments for use in local school administrative units and as part of the statewide testing system for measuring student performance and student growth. The State Board may examine competency-based student assessment systems utilized in other states, including potential benefits and obstacles to implementing similar systems in North Carolina, and the relationship between competency-based assessments and innovative teaching methods utilized in North Carolina schools, such as blended learning models and digital teaching tools.
Contact: Martez Hill
Executive Director
(919) 807-3608
COMPULSORY POOLING RULES AND DORMANT MINERAL STATUTES
Authority: SL2014-4 §25(a)-(b), SB 786.
Report by: Department of Environmental Quality 9
Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Energy Policy, and the Environmental Review Commission.
Report due: On or before October 1, 2015.
Scope: Shall examine the Mining and Energy Commission's rules, once adopted, related to oil and gas exploration, including, but not limited to, rules concerning drilling units, spacing requirements, and setbacks, and all rules the Department determines will affect the regulation of compulsory pooling in the State. Study, in conjunction with the Mining and Energy Commission and the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice, the issue of amending current dormant mineral statutes regarding extinguishment and other consumer protection issues related to split estates.
Contact: Caroline Barrett Daly
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-8625
COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, TELEVISION, AND ELECTRONICS RECYCLING PROGRAM
Authority: SL2015-286 §4.2, HB 765.
Report by: Department of Environmental Quality
Report to: Environmental Review Commission
Report due: On or before April 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall, in consultation with the North Carolina League of Municipalities, the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, the Consumer Electronics Association, the Retail Merchants Association, and representatives of the recycling and waste management industries, study North Carolina's recycling requirements for discarded computer equipment and televisions. In conducting this study, the Department shall consider (i) the changing waste stream, including the transition from televisions containing cathode ray tubes to flat screen televisions; (ii) the current status of North Carolina's recycling system, including cost and financing issues, and options that may be available to reduce costs and establish sufficient funding to cover necessary costs; (iii) opportunities for more efficient and effective recycling systems; and (iv) any other issue the Department deems relevant.
Contact: Caroline Barrett Daly
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-8625
CONCEAL CARRY IN STATE FAIR PARKING LOTS
Authority: SL2015-195 §4(b), HB 562.
Report by: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety
Report due: Shall report by April 1, 2016.
Scope: In consultation with the Department of Public Safety and the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association, shall study the best method to allow persons with concealed handgun permits to carry a concealed handgun on their person from a parking lot to the entrance of the State Fairgrounds, and a secure method of storage for and retrieval of those handguns at or near the entrance.
Contact: Joy Anderson Hicks
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-3033
10
CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING
Authority: Letter of February 12, 2016, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, House Rule 26(a), and Senate Rule 31.
Report by: Joint Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Shall submit a recommended congressional redistricting plan that complies with the decision in Harris v. McCrory, to the extent that order is not stayed by higher authority, no later than Thursday, February 18, 2016.
Scope: Shall study and obtain public comment regarding the recent decision of the United States District Court for the Middle District of NC in the matter of Harris v. McCrory (File No. 1:13-cv-949). Based on its study and the public comment received, shall recommend to the 2015 General Assembly a congressional redistricting plan so that the 2015 General Assembly may fully comply with the Harris order to the extent that order is not stayed by higher authority. Shall consider no matters beyond the topic described.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
Authority: SL2015-241 §13.8(a)-(b), HB 97.
Report by: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Report to: Chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Natural and Economic Resources and the House Appropriations Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources, and the Fiscal Research Division
Report due: No later than April 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study and report on the activities of the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. The report shall include, at a minimum, the following components: (1) A listing of contracts currently in effect and contracts entered into in each of the last five fiscal years, including the acreage and location of the land under contract and the distribution of contracts by duration. (2) A five-year projection of future funding requirements. (3) A detailed listing of the conservation practices used at project sites over the last five fiscal years and an assessment of the effectiveness of those practices for preventing or reducing nonpoint source pollution. (4) An assessment of the effectiveness and impact of the program in both protection of waterways from nonpoint source pollution and the leveraging of additional programs and efforts to reduce nonpoint source pollution.
Contact: Joy Anderson Hicks
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-3033
CONTESTED CASES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS
Authority: SL2015-286 §4.17(b), HB 765.
Report by: Department of Environmental Quality
Report to: Environmental Review Commission
Report due: No later than March 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study whether the amendments to G.S. 143-215.108, as enacted by Section 4.17(a) of this act (SL2015-286), should be expanded into other programs administered by the Department. The Department shall specifically consider whether these changes should be made to the water and solid waste permitting programs.
Contact: Caroline Barrett Daly
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-8625
11
CONTRACTING SPECIALIST AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION
Authority: SL2015-241 §12A.13, HB 97.
Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services
Report to: Not specified
Report due: Not specified
Scope: Shall study and make recommendations regarding the design of a contracting specialist training and certification program for management level personnel within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) similar to the Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer program and local purchasing and contracts program of the University of North Carolina School of Government.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES SCHEDULING WITHOUT LEGISLATION
Authority: SL2015-32 §2, HB 659; SL2015-264 §85, SB 119.
Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety
Report to: Not specified
Report due: Not specified
Scope: May study the current State and federal law regarding the authority for State agencies to schedule controlled substances without legislative action and the procedure for that scheduling or rescheduling.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
COUNCIL OF STATE COMPENSATION
Authority: SL2015-241 §30.1(c)-(d), HB 97.
Report by: Office of State Human Resources
Report to: Chairs of the Senate Appropriations/Base Budget Committee and the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee.
Report due: By May 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study the compensation of the Council of State, as follows: (1) Examine the salary, retirement and deferred compensation plans, health and other insurance coverages, per diem rates, travel reimbursement rates, use of State vehicles, and any other expense reimbursements or benefits other than salary. (2) Review any comparative information from other states and current salary levels for similar statewide elected constitutional officers. (3) Review market data for any comparable private sector executive positions. (4) Consider whether Council of State salaries should be restructured and set in a different manner. (5) Consider any other matters pertaining to the compensation of the Council of State.
Contact: Margaret Alison Craven
Legislative Liaison
(919) 807-4800
COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Authority: SL2015-286 §4.34, HB 765.
Report by: Wildlife Resources Commission
Report to: Environmental Review Commission
Report due: By March 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall establish a coyote management plan to address the impacts of coyotes in this State and the threats that coyotes pose to citizens, industries, and populations of native wildlife species within the State. 12
Contact: Ashton C. Godwin
Legislative Liaison
(919) 616-6507
COYOTE MANAGEMENT PLAN ASSISTANCE PILOT
Authority: SL2015-286 §4.35, HB 765.
Report by: Wildlife Resources Commission
Report to: Environmental Review Commission
Report due: Shall submit an interim report by March 1, 2016, and shall submit a final report by January 1, 2017
Scope: Shall establish a pilot coyote management assistance program in Mitchell County. In implementing the program, the Commission shall document and assess private property damage associated with coyotes; evaluate effectiveness of different coyote control methodologies, including lethal removal; and evaluate potential for a scalable statewide coyote assistance program.
Contact: Ashton C. Godwin
Legislative Liaison
(919) 616-6507
DATA SECURITY
Authority: SL2015-241 §7.20, HB 97.
Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Technology
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: On or before April 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study liability issues associated with data security in both the public and private sectors. The study shall include all of the following: (1) State liability issues. (2) State and vendor financial liability for data security breaches. (3) Methods of allocating risk for the State's vendors and IT contractors, including, but not limited to, the feasibility of maximum liability limits. (4) In consultation with the Department of Insurance, an analysis of the feasibility of developing a surplus line insurance policy and rate schedule for data breach liability coverage. (5) Federal government requirements. (6) State response to data security threats and breaches. (7) Third party liability issues. (8) Recommendations for managing data liability for the State. (9) Data breach liability allocation best practices in the public and private sectors.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
DEBT AFFORDABILITY FOR UNC
Authority: SL2015-241 §31.13, HB 97.
Report by: UNC Board of Governors
Report to: Office of State Budget and Management, the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, the State Treasurer, and The University of North Carolina General Administration
Report due: By February 1 of each year.
Scope: Shall oversee the undertaking of an annual debt affordability study and the establishment of guidelines for evaluating the University's debt burden. The guidelines should include target and ceiling ratios of debt to obligated resources and target and floor percentages for the five-year payout ratio. The Board shall also recommend any other debt management policies it considers desirable and consistent with sound management of the University's debt.
Contact: Jennifer Willis
Legislative Liaison
(919) 966-4347 13
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES AND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ORGANIZATIONAL EFFICIENCIES
Authority: SL2015-241 §14.31(a)-(b), HB 97.
Report by: Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Report to: Chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Natural and Economic Resources and House Appropriations Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: No later than April 1, 2016.
Scope: In consultation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Wildlife Resources Commission, shall study and report on the potential for efficiency, cost savings, and alignment of core mission and values that would be created from the transfer of the following agencies, divisions, or programs to the reorganized Department of Natural and Cultural Resources created by Section 14.30 of this act: (1) Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership. (2) Coastal Reserves Program. (3) Office of Land and Water Stewardship. (4) All or a portion of the Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs. (5) Division of Marine Fisheries. (6) Wildlife Resources Commission.
Contact: Martha W. Jenkins
Legislative Liaison
(919) 807-7252
DEWATER LEACHATE/WASTEWATER BURDEN/COST
Authority: SL2015-241 §14.21(b), HB 97.
Report by: Environmental Review Commission
Report to: Not specified
Report due: Not specified
Scope: Shall study the use of new technologies and strategies, including the use of integrated and mobile aerosolization systems, to dewater leachate and other forms of wastewater for the purpose of reducing the burden and cost of disposal at the site where it is generated. The Commission shall determine the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact of each studied technology and strategy. The Division of Waste Management and the Division of Water Resources of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall provide any information and personnel requested by the Commission in the conduct of a study required by this section.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
DNA COLLECTION FOR ANY FELONY
Authority: SL2015-241 §17.3(b), HB 97.
Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2016 Regular Session of the 2015 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall study extending the collection of DNA samples to persons arrested for any felony. The study shall include all of the following: (1) A recommended time line for implementing a requirement that DNA samples be collected for persons arrested for committing any felony. (2) An estimate of initial nonrecurring costs and recurring operating costs required of implementing such a requirement. (3) Other costs and benefits of implementing such a requirement. (4) An estimate of capital costs to the State of implementing such a requirement. (5) Any other information that the Committee deems relevant.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
14
DORMANT MINERAL STATUTES
Authority: SL2014-4 §25, SB 786.
Report by: Department of Environmental Quality
Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Energy Policy, and the Environmental Review Commission.
Report due: On or before October 1, 2015.
Scope: Study, in conjunction with the Mining and Energy Commission and the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice, the issue of amending current dormant mineral statutes regarding extinguishment and other consumer protection issues related to split estates.
Contact: Caroline Barrett Daly
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-8625
DOT CASH MANAGEMENT POLICIES
Authority: SL2014-100 §24.23(b), SB 744.
Report by: Board of Transportation
Report to: House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Department of Transportation, and the Fiscal Research Division
Report due: By April 1, 2015.
Scope: Shall study the Department's cash management policies and identify ways to strengthen these policies in order to prevent excessive cash balances.
Contact: Mary Lynn Jernigan
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-2800
DOWNSTREAM INUNDATION MAP PREPARATION
Authority: SL2015-7 §9(c), SB 14.
Report by: Department of Environmental Quality
Report to: Environmental Review Commission
Report due: No later than March 31, 2016.
Scope: Shall study whether, under certain circumstances, downstream inundation maps prepared pursuant to G.S. 143-215.31 should be prepared by a licensed professional engineer or a person under the responsible charge of a licensed professional engineer. The Department shall consult with the State Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors in the conduct of this study.
Contact: Caroline Barrett Daly
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-8625
DRIVERS EDUCATION
Authority: SL2015-241 §9.39(f)-(g), HB 97.
Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2016 Regular Session of the 2015 General Assembly upon its convening .
Scope: Shall study the provision of driver education by examining information, findings, and recommendations in the following reports and any additional information that it deems necessary and relevant: (1) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report issued in May 2015, entitled "State of North Carolina: Technical Assessment of the Driver Education Program." (2) The North Carolina Driver Education Strategic Plan prepared in 15
June 2012 by the Driver Education Advisory Committee of the State Board of Education. (3) The North Carolina's Driver Education Program Management Review prepared in November 2010 by the Office of State Budget and Management. (4) The Program Evaluation Division's report issued in March 2014, entitled "Performance Measurement and Monitoring Would Strengthen Accountability of North Carolina's Driver Education Program." (5) Information provided by local boards of education on driver education programs, as reported by the State Board of Education pursuant to subsection (e) of this section.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
DRUG FORMULARY IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS
Authority: SL2015-241 §15.13A(a)-(b), HB 97.
Report by: Industrial Commission
Report to: Chairs of the House of Representatives Health Committee and Senate Health Care Committee, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: By April 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study the implementation of a drug formulary in workers' compensation claims filed by State employees. The study shall consider (i) the pharmacy-related expenses incurred by the State on an annual basis in workers' compensation claims; (ii) the savings, if any, that would result from the use of a drug formulary in workers' compensation claims; (iii) whether the use of a drug formulary would result in the more efficient delivery of medications, provide workers with reasonable and necessary care, and provide a disincentive for health care providers to utilize costly name brand drugs and habit-forming opioids and narcotics; and (iv) the adoption of an appeals process that would allow health care providers and injured workers to seek approval for the use of drugs that are not on the formulary's approved list. The Industrial Commission may consider any other issues relevant to the implementation of a drug formulary in workers' compensation claims.
Contact: Fred E. Duyck
Legislative Liaison
(919) 807-2688
EARLY EDUCATION AND FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Authority: SL2015-241 §12B.8(a)-(b), HB 97.
Report by: Subcommittee of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services
Report due: On or before April 1, 2016.
Scope: The Committee shall appoint a subcommittee to study early childhood and family support programs, including the Child Care Subsidy program, NC Prekindergarten program (NC Pre-K), and the Smart Start program. In conducting the study, the subcommittee shall consider the following: (1) The purpose, outcomes, and effectiveness of each program. (2) The flexibility needed to ensure the needs of young children in counties across the State are met. (3) The potential for streamlined administration across the programs. (4) Any other relevant issues the subcommittee deems appropriate. SECTION 12B.8.(b) The subcommittee may seek input from other states, stakeholders, and national experts on early child and family support programs as it deems necessary.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
EDUCATION STRATEGY AND PRACTICES
Authority: Letter of January 11, 2016, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, House Rule 26(a).
Report by: House Select Committee on Education Strategy and Practices
Report to: General Assembly 16
Report due: May submit interim report at any time and final report prior to the convening of the 2017 General Assembly.
Scope: May study pre-kindergarten through higher education policy; existing and potential educational programs; recruiting, retaining, and paying quality teachers and administrators; student academic remediation in higher education; LEA funding flexibility; school calendar flexibility; and any other issue the committee deems relevant to this study.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COMPENSATION
Authority: SL2015-241 §30.17(a), HB 97.
Report by: Office of State Human Resources
Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: By February 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study the salary classifications of State emergency management personnel within the Department of Public Safety and make recommendations for market-based salary adjustments based on market-rate compensation and turnover, recruitment, and retention issues experienced by the Department for these personnel.
Contact: Margaret Alison Craven
Legislative Liaison
(919) 807-4800
E-PROCUREMENT SERVICE MANAGEMENT
Authority: SL2016-94 §32.1, HB 1030.
Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on General Government
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: To the 2017 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall study the management of North Carolina's E-Procurement Service, including the amount of the vendor transaction fee charged to suppliers and the delay in implementation of an e-bidding module within the system.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
ERIN’S LAW [SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN]
Authority: SL2014-119 §4(a)-(b), HB 369.
Report by: Human Trafficking Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2015 General Assembly
Scope: In consultation with Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina; the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault; the National Association of Social Workers, North Carolina Chapter; the North Carolina School Boards Association; the Department of Public Instruction; the North Carolina Pediatric Society; and two representatives of local child advocacy agencies, shall study the prevention of sexual abuse of children. As part of this study, the Commission shall do the following: (1) Gather information concerning the occurrence of child sexual abuse throughout the State. (1a) Receive reports and testimony on child sexual abuse from individuals, State and local agencies, community-based organizations, and other public and private organizations. (2) Identify statewide goals to prevent child sexual abuse. (3) Examine age-appropriate curricula on the subject of sexual abuse for students in kindergarten through grade six that could be included as part of the Basic Education Program for the public schools. (4) Identify methods for increasing teacher, student, and parent awareness of issues regarding sexual abuse of children, including the warning signs indicating that a child may be a victim of sexual abuse, actions that a child who is a victim of sexual abuse may take to obtain assistance and intervention, 17
and available counseling options for children affected by sexual abuse. (5) Study any other issue the Commission considers relevant to this topic.
Contact: Christy Agner, Legislative Liaison
Department of Justice
(919) 716-6400
EVEN NUMBERED YEAR MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
Authority: SL2016-109 §5, SB667.
Report by: Joint Legislative Elections Oversight Committee
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Before the convening of the 2017 General Assembly
Scope: Shall study the options to implement even-numbered year municipal elections effective with the 2020 election cycle.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
FEDERAL FUNDS SUPPORTED PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Authority: SL2015-241 §15.3(a)-(b), HB 97.
Report by: Department of Commerce
Report to: Chairs of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Natural and Economic Resources, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: No later than March 1, 2016
Scope: Shall study the amount of time all persons in General Fund-supported positions spend performing duties related to the operation and administration of programs that receive federal funds, including the Division of Employment Security and the Division of Workforce Solutions, to determine whether some or all of the costs related to the performance of these duties should be supported by federal indirect cost receipts and, therefore, should be paid for with federal funds instead of General Fund appropriations.
Contact: Ashley Elizabeth Jones
Legislative Liaison
(919) 715-2785
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Authority: SL2015-241 §11.19(b), HB 97.
Report by: Education Assistance Authority
Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee, and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services
Report due: By March 15, 2016.
Scope: Shall study strategies for ensuring that the State system of financial assistance for postsecondary education is fully available to assist qualified students with disabilities who are enrolled in certificate-based, approved university programs developed for them.
Contact: Elizabeth V. McDuffies
Executive Director
(919) 549-8614
FLOOD ELEVATIONS AND BUILDING HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS
Authority: SL2015-286 §4.38, HB 765.
Report by: Department of Insurance, the Department of Public Safety, and the Building Code Council
Report to: General Assembly 18
Report due: No later than March 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall jointly study how flood elevations and building heights for structures are established and measured in the coastal region of the State. The Departments and the Council shall specifically consider how flood elevations and coastal building height requirements affect flood insurance rates and how height calculation methods might be made more consistent and uniform in order to provide flood insurance rate relief. In conducting this study, the Departments and the Council shall engage a broad group of stakeholders, including property owners, local governments, representatives of the surveying industry, and representatives of the development industry.
Contact: Ben Popkin
Legislative Liaison
(919) 807-6095
FOR-HIRE RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSEE LOGBOOK
Authority: SL2015-201 §2, SB 374.
Report by: Division of Marine Fisheries, Department of Environmental Quality
Report to: Environmental Review Commission
Report due: No later than January 15, 2016.
Scope: Shall study the advisability of implementing a requirement that for-hire coastal recreational fishing license holders submit to the Division logbooks summarizing catch and effort statistical data. The study shall also include the establishment of and consultation with a stakeholder advisory group that shall only include persons who are for-hire license holders representing all major recreational fishing areas on the North Carolina coast, commercial fishing license holders on the North Carolina coast, and relevant staff to the Division.
Contact: Caroline Barrett Daly
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-8625
FUTURE OF INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES COMMISSION AND INNOCENCE INQUIRY COMMISSION
Authority: SL2015-241 §18A.18, HB 97.
Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2016 Regular Session of the 2015 General Assembly upon convening.
Scope: Shall study: (1) The Office of Indigent Defense Services and determine whether changes should be made to the ways in which appropriated funds are used to provide legal assistance and representation to indigent persons. (2) The North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission and determine whether changes should be made to the way in which the Commission investigates and determines credible claims of factual innocence made by criminal defendants.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
GROUNDWATER STANDARDS
Authority: SL2015-286 §4.8A, HB 765.
Report by: Department of Environmental Quality
Report to: Environmental Review Commission, and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services
Report due: Shall submit an interim report no later than November 1, 2015, and a final report no later than April 1, 2016.
Scope: In conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services, shall study the State's groundwater standards under 15A NCAC 2L, or State Interim Allowable Maximum 19
Contaminant Levels (IMAC), as applicable, as well as State health screening levels, for hexavalent chromium and vanadium relative to other southeastern states' standards for these contaminants and the federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for these contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act, in order to identify appropriate standards to protect public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources. The Department shall also evaluate background standards for these contaminants where they naturally occur in groundwater in the State.
Contact: Caroline Barrett Daly
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-8625
HANDICAPPED PLACARD MISUSE
Authority: SL2015-16, HB 91.
Report by: Division of Motor Vehicles
Report to: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee
Report due: On or before January 15, 2016.
Scope: Shall study ways to decrease the misuse of windshield placards issued to handicapped persons. Included within this study shall be the cost, feasibility, and advisability of (i) requiring the inclusion of more personally identifying information on the windshield placard, including a picture of the handicapped person who was issued the placard, (ii) linking the windshield placard to the handicapped person's drivers license or special identification card, and (iii) linking the windshield placard to the license plate issued to the handicapped person or the owner of the vehicle in which the handicapped person is or will be transported.
Contact: Mary Lynn Jernigan
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-2800
HOMELESS YOUTH, FOSTER CARE AND DEPENDENCY (LRC)
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission, Committee on Homeless Youth, Foster Care and Dependency pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission letter of January 28, 2016; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Reports to the 2016 General Assembly are due on or before April 15, 2016, final reports are due on or before December 16, 2016.
Scope: Shall study the presence of, and issues facing, homeless juveniles in NC, along with related issues of juvenile and family law pertaining to abuse, neglect, dependency, and foster care in the State.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
IMPAIRED WATER BODIES IN-SITU STRATEGIES
Authority: SL2015-241 §15.5(d), HB 97.
Report by: Department of Environmental Quality, and Environmental Management Commission.
Report to: Environmental Review Commission, the Fiscal Research Division, and the chairs of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Natural and Economic Resources and the House Appropriations Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources.
Report due: No later than April 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study in situ strategies beyond traditional watershed controls that have the potential to mitigate water quality impairments resulting from aquatic flora, sediment, nutrients, or other water quality variables that impair or have the potential to impair water bodies of the 20
State. In addition to a survey and evaluation of currently available in situ strategies, the Department and Commission shall assess the potential efficacy of in situ strategies in other water bodies of the State, and consider the utilization of in situ strategies in their development, review, and modifications of basinwide water quality management plans or related water quality mitigation modeling.
Contact: Caroline Barrett Daly
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-8625
IMPROPER POSTING OF IMAGES OF PEOPLE SUPERIMPOSED ON IMAGES SHOWING SEXUAL CONDUCT
Authority: SL2015-250 §1.5, HB 792.
Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: By April 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study the issue of improper disclosure of images of people superimposed onto other images exposing intimate parts or depicting sexual conduct. The study shall include whether any existing crimes or civil actions currently apply and whether G.S. 14-190.5A, as enacted by this act, should be amended to include superimposed images.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
INDIGENT DEFENSE SERVICES OFFICE FEE SCHEDULES
Authority: SL2015-241 §18B.5, HB 97.
Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2016 Regular Session of the 2015 General Assembly upon its convening.
Scope: Shall study the creation and implementation of fee schedules to be used by the Office of Indigent Defense Services to compensate private assigned counsel representing indigent defendants.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
INMATE HEALTH SERVICES CONTRACT EXPANSION
Authority: SL2016-94 §17C.2A, HB 1030.
Report by: Department of Public Safety
Report to: Chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees on Justice and Public Safety
Report due: No later than February 1, 2017.
Scope: Shall study whether contracts to provide inmate health services can be expanded to additional hospitals.
Contact: Thomas Andrew Brandon
Legislative Liaison
(919) 436-3108
INNOVATIONS WAIVER TO ADDRESS THE WAITLIST AND FEDERAL CHANGES
Authority: SL2016-94 §12H.11, HB 1030.
Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2017 General Assembly
Scope: Shall study policy issues pertaining to the delivery of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The study shall, at a minimum, include all of the following: 21
(1) The causes and potential solutions for the growing waitlist for NC Innovations Waiver slots. Potential solutions to be studied include the following: a. Increasing the funding for the 1915(c) Innovations Waiver to result in more individuals served. b. Creating new support waiver slots as recommended in the March 2015 "Study Additional 1915(c) Waiver" report from the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance, to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee for Health and Human Services. c. Utilizing a 1915(i) waiver option and exploring how the 1115 waiver required for Medicaid transformation may assist in addressing current waitlist for services. (2) Issues surrounding single-stream funding and how single-stream funding is used to support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (3) Multiple federal mandates that will directly impact current services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Home and Community-Based Services changes, the Work Force Innovations and Opportunities Act, and changes under section 14(c) of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. (4) The coverage of services for the treatment of autism, including any State Plan amendment needed to address guidance issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
JOB DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT GRANT PROGRAM
Authority: SL2015-259 §1(i), HB 117.
Report by: Department of Commerce
Report to: House of Representatives Finance Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Natural and Economic Resources, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: No later than March 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study the factors that have contributed to the termination of grants awarded pursuant to Part 2G of Article 10 of Chapter 143B of the General Statutes. In conducting the study required by this subsection, the Department shall examine the efforts of other states that have permitted similar economic development programs to incent businesses to create jobs for the purpose of determining best practices for remediating underperformance of participating businesses in order to lower the incidence of community economic development agreements under G.S. 143B-437.57 ending in termination.
Contact: Ashley Elizabeth Jones
Legislative Liaison
(919) 715-2785
JOINT/MULTIPLE AGENCY MOTOR FUELS TAX EXEMPTION
Authority: SL2015-235 §2, SB 399.
Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee
Report to: Not specified
Report due: Not specified
Scope: Is directed to study the application of the motor fuels tax exemption to entities that are comprised of multiple local government units. The study may include an examination of how the exemption applies to joint agencies created by interlocal agreements and regional authorities created by agreement of multiple counties.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
JURY SERVICE EXCUSALS
Authority: SL2015-210 §4, HB 284.
Report by: Administrative Office of the Courts 22
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety, and the General Assembly
Report due: Upon the convening of the 2016 Regular Session of the 2015 General Assembly.
Scope: In consultation with the North Carolina Conference of Clerks of Superior Court, shall study excusals from jury service. It shall consider all of the current exemptions from jury service and examine whether or not excusals should be granted for prospective jurors who are on work assignment outside the State of North Carolina.
Contact: Gregg C. Stahl
Senior Deputy Director
(919) 890-1392
JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Authority: SL2015-241 §12F.10, HB 97.
Report by: Subcommittees of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety.
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety.
Report due: Not specified
Scope: Shall each appoint a subcommittee to study the intersection of Justice and Public Safety and behavioral health and report their findings and recommendations to their respective Committees. The subcommittees shall meet jointly to study and report on the following issues: (1) The impact of the Justice Reinvestment Act on the State's behavioral health system, including the following: a. The impact of the Justice Reinvestment Act on the demand for community-based behavioral health services available through local management entities/managed care organizations (LME/MCOs). b. The change in the number of criminal offenders referred to the Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities (TASC) program since 2010 and other demands on the TASC program that have arisen since that time. c. The sources and amounts of funding available to serve this population, as well as any other support or resources that are provided by the Department of Public Safety to the Department of Health and Human Services or the LME/MCOs. d. An analysis of the supply and demand for behavioral health providers who serve this population. (2) The impact of mental illness and substance abuse on county law enforcement agencies, including the following: a. The number of people with mental illness and substance abuse issues held in county jails. b. The impact on local law enforcement agencies, particularly with respect to their budgets and personnel. (3) The impact of judicial decisions on the State's behavioral health and social services system, including the following: a. The role and impact of family court decisions on the demand for and delivery of county social services. b. The role and impact of decisions by drug treatment courts, veterans' mental health courts, and driving while impaired courts. c. The impact of judicial decisions on the availability of beds in State-operated psychiatric facilities as a result of involuntary commitment orders and incapacity to proceed decisions. (4) Any other relevant issues the subcommittees jointly deem appropriate.
Contact: See Committees listing in Part II of this volume.
JUVENILE LITERACY PROGRAM
Authority: SL2015-241 §8.34(a)-(b), HB 97.
Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2016 Regular Session of the 2015 General Assembly upon its convening.
Scope: Shall study the results of the Juvenile Literacy Center program established in Wake County. In conducting the study, the Committee shall do at least the following: (1) Examine the impact of the program on (i) improving basic literacy skills, (ii) reintegrating juveniles into schools, (iii) preventing criminal behavior and recidivism, (iv) developing 23
overall academic skills, and (v) addressing problem behaviors in school. (2) Evaluate the existing program for potential expansion into other counties, including projected costs, feasibility of implementation, and recommendations for locations for additional programs.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
K-12 CYBERSECURITY
Authority: SL2016-94 §8.17, HB 1030.
Report by: Department of Public Instruction
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: By December 15, 2016.
Scope: Shall conduct a study on cybersecurity in North Carolina public schools, including charter schools. As part of the study, the Department may request local school administrative units and charter schools to submit a summary of their current policies and procedures on cybersecurity practices and procedures to protect student and employee personally identifiable data.
Contact: Rachel E. Beaulieu
Legislative Liaison
(919) 807-4035
LANDSMEN REGISTRATION AND LICENSING
Authority: SL2013-365 §2(c), SB 76.
Report by: Mining and Energy Commission
Report to: Environmental Review Commission and the Joint Legislative Commission on Energy Policy
Report due: On or before April 1, 2015.
Scope: With the assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, shall study issues related to establishment and implementation of the registration requirements for landmen under G.S. 113-425. At a minimum, the study shall include a review of the number of individuals currently registered in North Carolina; other states' requirements with respect to registration of landmen; and regulations governing landmen operating in other industries in North Carolina and other states. The Commission and the Department shall receive input from the oil and gas industry and other stakeholders on the current registry, its effectiveness, and whether modifications or discontinuance is advisable.
Contact: Brad Atkinson, Energy Section Chief
DEQ
(919) 707-9235
LINEAR UTILITY PROJECT EXEMPTION FROM CERTAIN REGULATION
Authority: SL2015-286 §4.21, HB 765.
Report by: Department of Environmental Quality
Report to: Environmental Review Commission.
Report due: No later than March 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study whether and to what extent activities related to the construction, maintenance, and removal of linear utility projects should be exempt from certain environmental regulations. For purposes of this section, "linear utility project" means an electric power line, water line, sewage line, stormwater drainage line, telephone line, cable television line, data transmission line, communications-related line, or natural gas pipeline.
Contact: Caroline Barrett Daly
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-8625
24
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY OF WASTE MANAGEMENT
Authority: SL2015-241 §14.21(a), HB 97.
Report by: Environmental Review Commission
Report to: Not specified
Report due: Not specified
Scope: Shall convene a stakeholder working group to study local government authority over solid waste management matters, including (i) the authority to enact ordinances concerning collection and processing of solid waste generated within their jurisdictions, as well as their authority to charge fees for such services; (ii) an examination of costs to local governments for providing solid waste collection and processing services to citizens; (iii) whether efficiencies and cost reductions could be realized through privatization of such services, and what impacts might result from privatization, including any bearing on local government financing of currently sited solid waste management facilities; and (iv) any other issue the Commission deems relevant. In the conduct of this study, the Commission shall consult with representatives of the League of Municipalities, the Association of County Commissioners, the Local Government Commission, faculty from the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as private waste management interests, at a minimum. The Division of Waste Management and the Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall provide any information and personnel requested by the Commission in the conduct of a study required by this section.
Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume.
LOW-PERFORMING CHARTER SCHOOLS STANDARDS
Authority: SL2016-79 §3, HB242
Report by: Not specified
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Not specified
Scope: It is the intent of the General Assembly to study and revise the standards for identifying low-performing charter schools.
LOW-RISK COAL ASH IMPOUNDMENT
Authority: SL2014-122 §13(a), SB 729.
Report by: Coal Ash Management Commission
Report to: Environmental Review Commission
Report due: No later than October 1, 2015.
Scope: Shall study whether and under what circumstances no further action or natural attenuation is appropriate for a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment that is classified as low-risk pursuant to G.S. 130A-309.211, as enacted by Section 3(a) of this act. In conducting this study, the Commission shall specifically consider whether there is any contact or interaction between coal combustion residuals and groundwater and surface water, whether the area has reverted to a natural state as evidenced by the presence of wildlife and vegetation, and whether no further action or natural attenuation would be protective of public health, safety, and welfare; the environment; and natural resources.
Contact: Lisa Schneider, Legal Counsel
(919) 825-2574
MARKET-BASED SOURCING
Authority: SL2015-241 §32.14A(a)-(f), HB 97; SL2015-268 §10.2, HB 259.
Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee
Report to: Not specified 25
Report due: Not specified
Scope: Is directed to study the calculation of the sales factor under G.S. 105-130.4(l) using market-based sourcing. To help the Committee determine the effect of market-based sourcing on corporate taxpayers, each corporate taxpayer with apportionable income greater than ten million dollars ($10,000,000) and a North Carolina apportionment percentage less than one hundred percent (100%) is required to file an informational report with the Department of Revenue as provided in this section.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
MEDICAID AND NC HEALTH CHOICE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDER CLASSIFICATION EVALUATION
Authority: SL2016-94 §12H.15, HB 1030
Report by: Division of Medical Assistance, Department of Health and Human Services
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice
Report due: By December 1, 2016.
Scope: In collaboration with statewide behavioral health stakeholders, shall evaluate the classification of agencies providing behavioral health services, other than Critical Access Behavioral Health Agencies (CABHAs), as high categorical risk provider types in accordance with G.S. 108C-3(g)(2) and propose an evaluation tool to be used to classify the categorical risk of different categories of behavioral health agencies. The Department shall consider current federal and State law and include any recommended legislative Contact: Brian Perkins
Director of Government Affairs
(919) 855-4905
MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH SERVICES
Authority: SL2016 §12H.9, HB 1030.
Report by: Division of Medical Assistance, Department of Health and Human Services
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice, and the Fiscal Research Division
Report due: No later than November 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall conduct a study to identify all school-based health services that are eligible for Medicaid federal matching funds pursuant to federal Medicaid law and regulations but which currently are not reimbursable under North Carolina's Medicaid State Plan.
Contact: Brian Perkins
Director of Government Affairs
(919) 855-4905
MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR VISUAL AIDS
Authority: SL2015-241 §12H.6A, HB 97.
Report by: Division of Medical Assistance, Department of Health and Human Services
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: By March 1, 2016.
Scope: In consultation with the Department of Public Safety, shall conduct an analysis of the fiscal impact to the State of reinstating Medicaid coverage for visual aids for adults utilizing a contract with the Department of Public Safety for fabrication of the eyeglasses at Nash Optical Plant Optical Laboratory. Shall also analyze the cost of reinstating Medicaid coverage for routine eye examinations for adults in addition to the coverage for visual aids.
Contact: Brian Perkins
Director of Government Affairs
(919) 855-4905 26
MEDICAID WAIVER FOR CHILDREN WITH SERIOUS EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE
Authority: SL2015-135 §5.1(a)-(b), SB 423.
Report by: Division of Medical Assistance, Department of Health and Human Services
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services
Report due: By December 1, 2015.
Scope: Shall design and draft, but not submit, a 1915(c) Medicaid waiver to serve children with Serious Emotional Disturbance in home and community-based settings. The Department may submit drafts of the waiver to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to solicit feedback but shall not submit the waiver for CMS approval until authorized by the General Assembly.
Contact: Brian Perkins
Director of Government Affairs
(919) 855-4905
MINIMUM VALUE REQUIREMENT FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS
Authority: SL2015-248 §8(b)-(c), HB 334.
Report by: State Board of Education
Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee
Report due: By February 15, 2016.
Scope: Shall study and develop a proposed policy regarding circumstances in which a charter school, approved by the State Board pursuant to G.S. 115C-218.5, should be subject to a minimum value requirement of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for the purposes of ensuring payment of expenses related to closure proceedings. The State Board shall also consider whether certain charter schools should be provided with a total or partial waiver of such a requirement and shall examine criteria for potentially eligible charter schools, such as the years of operation of the charter school, proven compliance with finance, governance, academic requirements of its charter, State law, and State Board policy requirements, as well as appropriate documentation to show the charter school's financial health and sustainability.
Contact: Martez Hill
Executive Director
(919) 807-3608
MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION STOPS PROCESS
Authority: SL2016-120 §3, HB791
Report by: Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation
Report to: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee
Report due: By December 1, 2017.
Scope: Shall study the following (1) The number of State vehicle inspection stops that were overridden in the two most recent fiscal years due to the failure of data to be transmitted timely from an inspection station to the State Titling and Registration System (STARS) or due to other reasons. (2) Any changes, in the process or in the law, required to reduce or eliminate the need for commission contractors to override, through a cumbersome data entry process, an incorrect State inspection stop. (3) The number of vehicles registered in the State in the two most recent fiscal years that were subject to inspection under federal law. (4) The process by which data is entered in STARS to reflect that a vehicle has met the federal inspection requirement and whether this process can be made simpler.
Contact: Mary Lynn Jernigan
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-2800
27
MUNICIPAL SERVICE DISTRICTS (LRC)
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission Committee on Municipal Service Districts pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission letter of January 28, 2016; G.S. 120-30.17; and SL2015-241 §15.16B(c), HB 97.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Shall report to LRC by April 15, 2016, which shall report to the 2016 Regular Session of the 2015 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall study the feasibility of authorizing property owners within a municipal service district to petition for removal from that municipal service district.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES ADMISSION FEES
Authority: SL2015-241 §14.11(h), HB 97.
Report by: Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Report to: Chairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives appropriations committees with jurisdiction over the Museums, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: No later than April 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study issues related to charging admission fees at the North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (collectively, the Museums). The study shall address the following issues: (1) The impact on receipts and attendance if the Museums charged an admission fee. (2) Admission fee policies for state-supported museums in other states and the impacts and receipts from those fees. (3) The costs of new or modified infrastructure and other implementation costs necessary for the Museums to charge fees. (4) Any synergies or cost savings in the charging and collection of fees due to the geographic proximity of the primary facilities for each of the Museums.
Contact: Martha W. Jenkins
Legislative Liaison
(919) 807-7252
NC PRE-K SLOTS COSTS AND EFFECTIVENESS
Authority: SL2016-94 §12B.4, HB 1030; and SL2016-123 §5.4, HB 805.
Report by: Division of Child Development and Early Education, Department of Health and Human Services
Report to: Chairs of the House Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division
Report due: On or before February 1, 2017.
Scope: In consultation with the Department of Public Instruction, hall study the costs and effectiveness associated with funding slots for the NC Pre-K program. In conducting the study, the Division shall review and determine the following: (1) The total cost to fund a NC Pre-K slot, including administration and any local costs. (2) The program's anticipated effectiveness in preparing eligible four-year-olds in the five developmental domains outlined in the North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development. (3) Whether the program's effectiveness as reviewed pursuant to subdivision (2) of this subsection justifies the costs associated with funding NC Pre-K slots or whether there are other alternatives to achieve the same objectives. (4) The State share needed to fund a NC Pre-K slot by each setting, including public schools, child care facilities, and Head Start. (5) The amount of funds needed to maintain the current number of NC Pre-K slots if the per slot cost was increased to the amount recommended by the study. (6) Recommendations on how often the NC Pre-K slot costs should be evaluated and reported to the General Assembly. (7) Any other relevant issues the Division deems appropriate.
Contact: Brian Perkins
Director of Government Affairs
(919) 855-4905 28
NEGLIGENT/RECKLESS HUNTING PROVISIONS REVIEW
Authority: SL2015-144 §4(b), HB 640.
Report by: Wildlife Resources Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Upon convening of the 2016 Regular Session of the 2015 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall review the provisions of Article 21B of Chapter 113 of the General Statutes that provide for the suspension of hunting privileges upon conviction of criminally negligent hunting and determine whether those provisions should be amended or expanded to provide increased protection to the public from negligent or reckless hunting. In developing its findings, the Wildlife Resources Commission shall consult with organized hunting clubs and propose recommendations to address individuals who repeatedly violate club rules and regulations. The Wildlife Resources Commission shall also consult with public interest groups in developing its findings.
Contact: Ashton C. Godwin
Legislative Liaison
(919) 616-6507
911 SYSTEM UNIFORM PROCUREMENT AND PRICING
Authority: SL2015-219 §2, HB 512.
Report by: 911 Board
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Technology
Report due: No later than May 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall investigate alternatives for facilitation of uniform procurement and pricing of 911 eligible expenses through bulk purchasing and other means.
Contact: Richard Taylor
Executive Director
(919) 754-6624
NUTRIENT IMPACT FEES
Authority: SL2016-94 §14.13(g), HB 1030.
Report by: Department of Environmental Quality
Report to: Environmental Review Commission, the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: No later than December 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study the following issues related to nutrient impact fees and other water quality impact mitigation programs in Jordan Lake and Falls Lake: (1) The impact, costs, and benefits of setting nutrient offset fees on a subbasin- or area-specific basis, together with an estimate of the subbasin-specific nutrient offset fees for each subbasin in the Jordan Lake and Falls Lake watersheds or area draining to a particular arm of Jordan Lake or Falls Lake. (2) Watersheds and river basins or subbasins where private providers of mitigation services are adequately serving existing and projected demand over the next five years, and whether (i) the continuing provision of mitigation services by the State in those areas is necessary and (ii) statutory authority to provide mitigation services in those areas should be totally or partially repealed.
Contact: Caroline Barrett Daly
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-8625
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Authority: SL2016-94 §14.13(e), HB 1030.
Report by: Department of Environmental Quality 29
Report to: Environmental Review Commission, the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources, and the Fiscal Research Division.
Report due: Shall submit an interim report no later than March 1, 2017, and a final report no later than March 1, 2018.
Scope: Shall study alternative technologies for in situ approaches to nutrient management in Falls Lake and Jordan Lake. In its study, the Department shall consider in situ treatments, including algaecide and phosphorus-locking technologies, that have been certified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for use in drinking water sources. The study shall determine whether these treatments would provide improvements in water quality and whether the improvements would be more cost-effective than more conventional nutrient mitigation strategies.
Contact: Caroline Barrett Daly
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-8625
OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARD OVERSIGHT REVIEW
Authority: SL2015-286 §1.7, HB 765.
Report by: Joint Legislative Administrative Procedure Oversight Committee
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: 2016 Regular Session of the 2015 General Assembly.
Scope: Pursuant to G.S. 120-70.101(3a), shall review the recommendations contained in the Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee's report, entitled "Occupational Licensing Agencies Should Not be Centralized, but Stronger Oversight is Needed," to determine the best way to accomplish the recommendations contained in the report and to improve oversight of occupational licensing boards. In conducting the review, APO shall consult with occupational licensing boards, licensees, associations representing licensees, the Department of Commerce, and other interested parties. The APO cochairs may establish subcommittees to assist with various parts of the review, including determining whether licensing authority should be continued for the 12 boards identified in the report.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
OFF-HIGHWAY PARKING FOR TRACTOR-TRAILERS AND SEMI-TRAILERS
Authority: SL2016-94 §35.9, HB 1030.
Report by: Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Commerce.
Report to: Chairs of the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation Appropriations, and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Department of Transportation.
Report due: By February 1, 2017, the Departments shall jointly report.
Scope: Shall study ways to provide additional off-highway parking and rest areas for tractor-trailers and semi-trailers. Included within the study shall be the feasibility and cost of converting abandoned highway rest stops into parking and rest areas for tractor-trailers and semi-trailers. In conducting the study, the Departments shall consult with the North Carolina Trucking Association.
Contact: Mary Lynn Jernigan
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-2800
OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY EFFECT ON PROPERTY TAX
Authority: SL2014-4 §21, SB 786.
Report by: Joint Legislative Commission on Energy Policy
Report to: General Assembly 30
Report due: 2015 General Assembly.
Scope: Shall study how the development of the oil and gas industry in the State would affect the property tax revenues of local governments. The study shall examine how the presence of energy minerals will affect property enrolled in the present use value program. The study shall also study ways to limit the growth of property tax revenues that result from increased property valuations due to the development of the oil and gas industry in the State.
Contact: See Commission listing in part II of this volume.
ON-SITE WASTEWATER INSPECTION
Authority: SL2015-286 §4.14(f), HB 765.
Report by: Department of Health and Human Services, local health departments, and stakeholders representing the wastewater system industry
Report to: Environmental Review Commission, and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services
Report due: On or before March 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study the minimum on-site wastewater system inspection frequency established pursuant to Table V(a) in 15A NCAC 18A .1961 to evaluate the feasibility and desirability of eliminating duplicative inspections of on-site wastewater systems. In the conduct of its study, the Commission shall consider (i) the compliance history of wastewater systems, including whether operators' reports and laboratory reports are in compliance with Article 11 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes and the rules adopted pursuant to that Article; (ii) alternative inspection frequencies, including the use of remote Web-based monitoring for alarm and compliance notification; (iii) whether the required verification visit conducted by local health departments shows a statistically significant justification for duplicative costs to the owner of the wastewater system; (iv) methods for notifications of changes to and expirations of operations contracts; and (v) methods for local health departments to provide certified operator management for sites that are not under contract with a water pollution control system operator certified pursuant to Part 1 of Article 3 of Chapter 90A of the General Statutes.
Contact: Brian Perkins
Director of Government Affairs
(919) 855-4905
OPTOMETRY SCHOOL AT WINGATE UNIVERSITY
Authority: SL2016-94 §12I.1, HB 1030.
Report by: Wingate University
Report to: House Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division
Report due: On or before May 1, 2017.
Scope: The University is encouraged to examine and report on the feasibility of establishing an affiliated school of optometry in North Carolina. The report should include at least all of the following: (1) A breakdown of any projected capital, operational, or other expenditures necessary for establishing and operating an affiliated school of optometry. (2) A breakdown of all funds available to assist the university with these expenses. (3) A projected number of applicants for the affiliated school of optometry. (4) A projection of how a State appropriation in the amount of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000) would impact tuition reimbursement for students.
31
OUT-OF-STATE COASTAL STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION AND BEACH NOURISHMENT PROJECTS BENEFITS
Authority: SL2016-94 §14.22(a), HB 1030.
Report by: Division of Coastal Management, Department of Environmental Quality
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources
Report due: No later than November 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study and provide an executive summary of readily available data and existing studies on the physical and economic, storm mitigation, and public safety benefits of out-of-state coastal storm damage reduction and beach nourishment projects. Specific items benefitted by coastal storm damage reduction shall include, at a minimum, public infrastructure, public property, private property, small businesses, and tourism.
Contact: Caroline Barrett Daly
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-8625
PERSONAL CARE SERVICES MANAGEMENT
Authority: SL2014-100 §12H.10(c), SB 744.
Report by: Contractor for the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services
Report due: No later than December 1, 2015.
Scope: Shall engage a contractor to study issues related to reforming and redesigning personal care services (PCS) while meeting the State's obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the United States Supreme Court's decision in Olmstead v. L.C. ex rel. Zimring, 527 U.S. 581 (1999). The study shall specifically examine the effect of the moratorium on home care agency licenses for in-home aide services required by Section 12G.4 of this act and the moratorium on special care unit licenses required by Section 12G.5 of this act and make recommendations on whether each of these moratoria should be continued. The study shall also address the quality of resident care within adult care homes and the adequacy of State oversight of adult care homes, including inspections, procedures, and processes.
Contact: See Committee listing in part II of this volume.
PRETREATMENT, EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND COLLECTION SYSTEM (PERCS) PERMITTING PROGRAM
Authority: SL2014-120 §29(f)-(g), SB 734.
Report by: Department of Environmental Quality
Report to: Environmental Review Commission
Report due: No later than April 15, 2015.
Scope: No later than March 1, 2015, shall complete a pilot study on the Pretreatment, Emergency Response and Collection System (PERCS) wastewater collection system permitting program and the stormwater permitting program and perform the following activities with the assistance and cooperation of the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors and the Professional Engineers of North Carolina: (1) Produce an inventory of work activities associated with the operation of each regulatory program. (2) Determine the work activities identified under subdivision (1) of this subsection that constitute the Practice of Engineering. (3) Develop recommendations for ensuring that work activities constituting the Practice of Engineering are conducted with the appropriate level of oversight.+
Contact: Caroline Barrett Daly
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-8625
32
PRIVATE/PUBLIC PROPERTY INVENTORY
Authority: SL2016-94 §14.22(b), HB 1030.
Report by: Covered County Tax Offices
Report to: Department of Environmental Quality, and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources.
Report due: Each County Tax Office shall send an electronic list of the property addresses and matched mailing/ownership addresses suitable for electronic sorting no later than November 1, 2016.
Scope: The County Tax Office of each covered county shall work together to identify all privately and publicly owned property island-wide in the county. A covered county includes the Counties of Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, Carteret, Hyde, Dare, and Currituck. Each County Tax Office shall determine whether the mailing/ownership address on the tax record of such property is (i) in the county where such property is located, (ii) in a noncovered county in North Carolina, or (iii) outside the State of North Carolina.
PROBATION AND PAROLE VEHICLES MANAGEMENT AND UTILIZATION
Authority: SL2015-241 §16C-15, HB 97.
Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: By May 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study the management and utilization of probation and parole vehicles.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
PROBATION/PAROLE OFFICER STATE VEHICLE USE
Authority: SL2016-94 §17C.3 , HB 1030.
Report by: Department of Public Safety
Report to: Chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety
Report due: By March 1, 2017.
Scope: In consultation with the Department of Administration and the Department of Revenue, shall study whether probation and parole officers should be allowed to take their State vehicles home with them, and the possible tax implications of doing so.
Contact: Thomas Andrew Brandon
Legislative Liaison
(919) 436-3108
PROPOSED TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS PROTECTION PROCESS
Authority: SL2016-90 §19, HB959.
Report by: Department of Transportation
Report to: General Assembly and Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee
Report due: Beginning October 1, 2016, shall report quarterly, and final report by July 1, 2017.
Scope: Shall study the development of a process that equitably balances the interest of the State in protecting proposed transportation corridors from development, the property rights of affected landowners, and the taxpayers of the State.
Contact: Mary Lynn Jernigan
Legislative Liaison
(919) 707-2800
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PROTECTED ANIMALS STATUS
Authority: SL2015-286 §4.33, HB 765.
Report by: Wildlife Resources Commission
Report to: Environmental Review Commission
Report due: By March 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall review the methods and criteria by which it adds, removes, or changes the status of animals on the State protected animal list as defined in G.S. 113-331 and compare these to federal regulations and the methods and criteria of other states in the region. The Commission shall also review the policies by which the State addresses introduced species and make recommendations for improving these policies, including impacts associated with hybridization that occurs among federally listed, State-listed, and nonlisted animals.
Contact: Ashton C. Godwin
Legislative Liaison
(919) 616-6507
PUBLIC SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION NEEDS
Authority: SL2015-241 §23.4, HB 97.
Report by: Office of State Budget and Management
Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations
Report due: Prior to May 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall contract with an outside entity (i) to perform an independent assessment of school construction needs in local school administrative units in the 50 counties determined under the low-wealth school funding formula to have the lowest ability to pay for school facilities and (ii) to determine which of those units have the highest facility needs in relation to their capacity to raise revenue to meet those needs.
Contact: Melanie Jennings
Communications Manager
(919) 814-2116
REGULATORY AND RATE ISSUES IN INSURANCE (LRC)
Authority: To be studied by the Legislative Research Commission, Committee on Regulatory and Rate Issues in Insurance pursuant to the Legislative Research Commission letter of January 28, 2016; and G.S. 120-30.17.
Report by: Legislative Research Commission
Report to: General Assembly
Report due: Reports to the 2016 General Assembly are due on or before April 15, 2016, final reports are due on or before December 16, 2016.
Scope: Shall study the equity of property insurance rate making in NC. May review the feasibility of making property insurance data available to the public, reviewing roles and responsibilities of the NC Insurance Underwriting Association, reviewing consent to rate practices, catastrophe modeling and other issues deemed appropriate.
Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume.
REMOTE ACCESS TO INDIGENT CLIENTS BY ATTORNEYS
Authority: SL2015-241 §18B.4(a)-(b), HB 97.
Report by: Administrative Office of the Courts
Report to: Chairs of the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees on Justice and Public Safety, and the chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety.
Report due: By February 1, 2016. 34
Scope: In conjunction with the Office of Indigent Defense Services and the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association, shall study and determine whether savings can be realized through the establishment of a system of fully automated kiosks in local confinement facilities to allow attorneys representing indigent defendants to consult with their clients remotely. The system would incorporate technology through which meetings between attorneys and their clients cannot be monitored or recorded, would provide for end-to-end message encryption, and would have scheduling software integrated into the system.
Contact: Gregg C. Stahl
Senior Deputy Director
(919) 890-1392
RENT-BASED MODEL FOR STATE-OWNED FACILITIES
Authority: SL2015-241 §23.3, HB 97.
Report by: Office of State Budget and Management
Report to: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on General Government
Report due: No later than March 1, 2016.
Scope: Shall study charging State agencies rent to cover the cost of facility management, maintenance, and related costs that are attributable to those agencies. The study shall examine all of the following: (1) Making receipt