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2003-2004 LEGISLATIVE COMMISSIONS NON-STANDING COMMITTEES INTERIM STUDIES RESEARCH DIVISION LEGISLATIVE SERVICES OFFICE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY 545 LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING 300 N. SALISBURY STREET RALEIGH, NC 27603-5925 February 4, 2005 February 4, 2005 MEMORANDUM TO: Members of the General Assembly FROM: Terrence D. Sullivan, Director of Research RE: Legislative Commissions, Non-Standing Committees, Interim Studies This document contains lists of all permanent legislative commissions and non-standing committees and all studies authorized or directed to be undertaken by all the sessions of the 2003 General Assembly. The listing includes not only studies undertaken by legislative bodies, but also those directed to be undertaken by other agencies of State government. Permanent commissions, committees, and other bodies of the executive and judicial branches are not included in this publication. For memberships of and information on other existing permanent executive and judicial agencies, please contact Ms. Cathy Martin, our Legislative Librarian, at 919.733.9390 or Ms. Sondra Davis, the Governor's Director of Boards and Commissions, at 919.715.0966. Mr. Brian Peck of the Legislative Library, working with other legislative staff and executive branch employees, compiled and edited this publication. The explanation of the publication's format is on the following page. We hope that the publication will aid you and your constituents in rapidly getting accurate information on matters of government policy. Your comments on and suggestions for improvement as to this publication, as well as other Research Division efforts, are solicited and always appreciated. Publications – Leg Comms, Non-Std Comms, Intrm Studs, transmittal ltr '05 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 2001 General Assembly, or that are due during this biennium. Entries are arranged by subject 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 who it is to be made. A contact name is provided for agencies and statutory commissions when available. Legislative committee or commission contact information can be found in Part II under the listing for that committee. Part II, printed on green paper, is ‘Study Commissions, Committees and Task Forces’. This is an alphabetical listing by title of each commission, committee or task force directed or authorized to conduct the study listed in the first (yellow) part of this publication. Each entry includes the establishing legal authority; reporting requirements when applicable; scope of duties; additional studies assigned or referred; and, for legislative commissions and committees, the membership appointed to date along with their names, addresses and telephone numbers, and committee staff and their telephone numbers. A comprehensive index is provided for additional access points. NOTE: Please be aware that, when possible, the 'Scope' of a study given is the complete text from the bill or document creating the study, however, for studies having a long or detailed description this 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 ABANDONED JUNK VEHICLES .......................................................................................... 1 ACTIVITY BUS SAFETY RULES.......................................................................................... 1 ADJUST PENALTIES FOR B1 TO E OFFENSES ................................................................. 1 ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT ADVOCACY PROGRAMS ...................................... 1 AGRIBUSINESS AND AGRICULTURE TEACHING FELLOWS....................................... 1 AGRICULTURE COMMODITY INCENTIVES .................................................................... 1 ALCOHOL AND DRUG EDUCATION TRAFFIC (ADET) SCHOOLS............................... 2 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (HOUSE)................................................................. 2 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL.................................................................................. 2 ALTERNATIVE-FUEL/LOW EMISSION SCHOOL BUS PURCHASES ............................ 2 ALTERNATIVE FUELS .......................................................................................................... 2 APPROPRIATE EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS ON LONG-TERM SUSPENSION................................................................................................................ 3 ARSON OFFENSES................................................................................................................. 4 ATTORNEY SOLICITATION REGULATION ...................................................................... 4 ATTRACTING TEACHERS TO BECOME COACHES......................................................... 4 AVAILABILITY/DELIVERY OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES TO HISPANICS.................................................................................................................... 4 BANKING LAWS .................................................................................................................... 4 BENEFITS FOR STATE EMPLOYEE DEPENDENTS ......................................................... 4 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS SIZE AND SCOPE............................................................ 4 BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS...................................................................... 4 BUDGET PRACTICES ............................................................................................................ 4 BUDGET PROCESS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES...................................... 4 BULK PURCHASING OF PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS ................................................... 5 BUSINESS TAXATION........................................................................................................... CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS STANDARDS AND PLANS IMPLEMENTATION..................................................................................................... 5 CARE AND SAFETY OF RESIDENTS OF RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES................................................................................................................... 5 CASINO NIGHTS FOR NONPROFITS .................................................................................. 5 CHAPTER 20 (MOTOR VEHICLE ACT) CONSOLIDATION ............................................. 5 CHARITABLE BINGO/BEACH BINGO................................................................................ 6 CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, FOSTER CARE, AND ADOPTION................................ 6 CLEAN AIR TRUST FUND .................................................................................................... 6 CLOSE ACHIEVEMENT GAP................................................................................................ 6 COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OF RESTITUTION ........................................................... 6 COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND EMERGENCY SITUATIONS....................................................................................... 7 COMPANION ANIMALS........................................................................................................ 7 COMPANION ANIMALS (HOUSE)....................................................................................... 7 COMPARATIVE TAX BURDEN............................................................................................ 7 COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN HIGH-LEVEL OFFICERS ............................................ 7 COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLANNING.................................................................................................................... 8 COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION ISSUES............................................................... 8 COMPUTER-BASED MATH AND LITERACY PROGRAMS............................................. 8 CONFINEMENT OF INCAPACITATED INMATES............................................................. 8 CONFORM BANK EXPENSE DEDUCTION ........................................................................ 8 CONSOLIDATED CORPORATE INCOME TAX RETURNS............................................... 9 CONSOLIDATION OF STATE HEALTH CARE SERVICES............................................... 9 ii CRAVEN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL ............................................................................... 9 CREDIT FOR HIRING APPRENTICES.................................................................................. 9 CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS FEE ADJUSTMENT........................................................ 10 CURRITUCK TO OUTER BANKS FERRY........................................................................... 10 DAIRY INDUSTRY ................................................................................................................. 10 DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ........................................................................................ 10 DETER JUVENILE ESCAPES ................................................................................................ 10 DETERRENTS TO STORMWATER RUNOFF...................................................................... 11 DISPUTE SETTLEMENT CENTERS ..................................................................................... 11 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.......................................................................................................... 11 DOROTHEA DIX HOSPITAL PROPERTY ........................................................................... 11 DOROTHEA DIX PROPERTY................................................................................................ 11 DREDGE.................................................................................................................................. 12 DRIVER EDUCATION PRIVATIZATION ............................................................................ 12 DUPLICATION OF SMART START SERVICES.................................................................. 12 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE ........................................................... 12 ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT................................................................... 12 EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS ON LONG TERM SUSPENSION...................................... 13 EFFECTIVENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS.................................................... 13 ELECTRONIC MONITORING................................................................................................ 13 ELECTRONIC NOTARIZATION ........................................................................................... 13 ELECTRONIC RECORDATION............................................................................................. 14 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES IN RURAL COUNTIES........................................... 14 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS........................................................................................... 14 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND STATEWIDE COMMUNICATIONS.................... 14 EMPLOYEE HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL BENEFITS ......................................................... 14 ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES OF CANCER......................................................................... 15 EQUITY-BUILDING HOME OWNERSHIP........................................................................... 15 E-TEXTBOOKS FOR STUDENTS ......................................................................................... 15 EUGENIC STERILIZATION COMPENSATION................................................................... 15 EVALUATE WATER QUALITY AND ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION IN SWIFT CREEK .............................................................................. 15 EXPANDING RAIL SERVICE................................................................................................ 15 FAIR BARGAIN ACT.............................................................................................................. 16 FEDERAL STRUCTURED SENTENCING SYSTEM ........................................................... 16 FILM INDUSTRY FEASIBILITY ........................................................................................... 16 FILM INDUSTRY INCENTIVES............................................................................................ 16 FINANCIAL BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE...................................................................... 16 FIRE SAFETY IN LOCAL CONFINEMENT FACILITIES................................................... 17 FLOODPLAIN MAPPING INFORMATION SHARING PLAN............................................ 17 FOOD SAFETY AND SECURITY.......................................................................................... 17 FORGIVENESS OF STUDENT DEBT PROGRAM............................................................... 17 FORT FISHER VEHICLE ACCESS........................................................................................ 17 FUTURE OF ELECTRIC SERVICES...................................................................................... 18 FUTURE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD........................................................... 18 GIVING NOTICE OF RIGHTS TO CONTEST MECHANIC'S LIEN STORAGE CHARGE OF VEHICLES SEIZED UNDER DWI FORFEITURE LAWS.................................................................................................... 18 GLOBAL TRANSPARK DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BOARD STRUCTURE................................................................................................................. 18 GUARDIANSHIP LAWS......................................................................................................... 19 HABITUAL FELON LAW AMENDMENT............................................................................ 19 HANDHELD CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING ........................................................... 19 HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT............................................................... 19 HEALTH INSURANCE ........................................................................................................... 19 iii HEALTH INSURANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES/TRADE ASSOCIATIONS ........................................................................................................... 20 HEALTH INSURANCE FOR UNINSURABLE INDIVIDUALS .......................................... 20 HEALTH INSURANCE MANDATES.................................................................................... 20 HIGH-RISK HEALTH INSURANCE POOLS ........................................................................ 20 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE INCENTIVES......................................................... 20 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN COLLEGE LEVEL COURSES.......................................... 20 HIGHWAY TRUST FUND...................................................................................................... 20 HIGHWAY USE TAX BASED ON EFFICIENCY/VEHICLE REGISTRATION BASED ON VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED ................................. 21 HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY ........................ 21 HORACE WILLIAMS AIRPORT............................................................................................ 21 HURRICANE EVACUATION STANDARDS STUDY COMMISSION............................... 21 HURRICANE RELIEF ............................................................................................................. 21 I-95 TOLLS.............................................................................................................................. 22 IMMIGRATION...................................................................................................................... 22 IMPACT OF ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR CONSERVATION ON LOCAL TAX REVENUES .......................................................................................................... 22 INCOME TAX DERIVED FROM MANUFACTURING ....................................................... 22 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BUDGET STRUCTURE REVIEW................................. 22 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LEGACY SYSTEMS....................................................... 23 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OPERATION CENTRALIZATION FOR DHHS ............................................................................................................................. 23 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY ASSESSMENT............................................ 23 INSURANCE AND CIVIL JUSTICE REFORM..................................................................... 23 INTEGRATION OF CARE FOR CHILDREN WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEM SERVICE NEEDS.......................................................................................................... 24 INTERNET SALE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ................................................................... 24 JOB SHARING ......................................................................................................................... 24 JUDICIAL APPROVAL FOR PLEAS IN CERTAIN CASES ................................................ 24 KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS............................................................. 24 LABOR AUDIT SYSTEMS/INCENTIVES............................................................................. 25 LANDSCAPE/IRRIGATION CONTRACTORS..................................................................... 25 LAPTOPS IN THE SENATE CHAMBER............................................................................... 25 LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER RECLASSIFICATION.................................................... 25 LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK PROGRAM ............................................. 25 LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE BRANCH LOBBYING ................................................. 26 LEGISLATIVE RETIREMENT SYSTEM TRANSFER OF SERVICE ................................. 26 LICENSE PLATE ISSUES....................................................................................................... 26 LIGHT POLLUTION................................................................................................................ 26 LOCAL SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FINANCING.............................................................. 26 LONG-TERM CARE REMEDIATION ................................................................................... 26 LOSS OF MANUFACTURING BUSINESSES....................................................................... 27 MASSAGE THERAPY REGULATION.................................................................................. 27 MEDICAID FUNDING............................................................................................................ 27 MEDICAID REFORM.............................................................................................................. 27 MEDICAL ERRORS ................................................................................................................ 27 MEDICAL MALPRACTICE.................................................................................................... 27 MEETING IRS REQUEST FOR A DEFINED RETIREMENT AGE..................................... 28 MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES FINANCING ........................................................ 28 MENTAL HEALTH IN PRISONS........................................................................................... 28 MENTALLY ILL LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS ........................................................... 28 MERCURY EMISSIONS MONITORING............................................................................... 28 MILITARY AFFAIRS .............................................................................................................. 29 iv MILITARY AFFAIRS (SENATE) ........................................................................................... 29 MOBILE MEDICAL OPERATING ROOM............................................................................ 29 MOPED IDENTIFICATION TAG........................................................................................... 29 MOTOR VEHICLE TOTAL LOSS CLAIMS DISCLOSURE CLARIFICATION.......................................................................................................... 29 MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAWS .......................................................................................... 29 NATUROPATHIC LICENSING.............................................................................................. 30 NATUROPATHY.................................................................................................................... 30 NEWBORN COVERAGE........................................................................................................ 30 NONDISCHARGE ANIMAL WASTE PERMITS.................................................................. 30 NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING WORKER SAFETY................................................................. 31 NORTH CAROLINA MANUAL DISTRIBUTION AND SALE............................................ 31 NOTARY LAWS REVISION .................................................................................................. 31 NURSING SHORTAGE........................................................................................................... 31 OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARDS FUNDING/BUDGETING.................................. 31 OFFENDER FEES COLLECTION .......................................................................................... 31 OPTIONAL GRADUATED 25 YEAR RETIREMENT PLAN FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.......................................................................................................... 32 OUTDOOR ADVERTISING AMORTIZATION ORDINANCES ......................................... 32 OVARIAN CANCER RISKS AND PREVENTION EDUCATION ....................................... 32 OVERREPRESENTATION OF MINORITY YOUTH IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTERS ........................................................................................ 32 PAIN MANAGEMENT AND PALLIATIVE CARE .............................................................. 32 PAMLICO TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL.............................................................................. 32 PAWNBROKERS.................................................................................................................... 33 PAY EQUITY FOR STATE/LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ................................. 33 PEAT-BASED WASTEWATER SYSTEMS........................................................................... 33 PHYSICAL RESTRAINTS/SECLUSION IN SCHOOLS....................................................... 33 POSTRETIREMENT EARNINGS........................................................................................... 34 PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS................................................................................................ 34 PROBATION/PAROLE OFFICER WORKLOADS................................................................ 34 PROFITEERING FROM CRIME............................................................................................. 34 PROMOTE GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY AND SAVINGS IN STATE SPENDING..................................................................................................................... 34 PROMOTING PATIENT SAFETY.......................................................................................... 35 PROTECTING PROPERTY OWNERS ADJACENT TO ACTIVITIES FOR WHICH A STORMWATER PERMIT IS ISSUED....................................................... 35 PUBLIC DEFENDERS............................................................................................................. 35 REDISTRICTING.................................................................................................................... 35 REDUCE UTILITY EQUIPMENT SALES TAX.................................................................... 35 REDUCING PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS........................................................................ 36 REEMPLOYMENT OF RETIREES......................................................................................... 36 REGIONAL WATER SUPPLIES ............................................................................................ 36 REGISTRATION OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES ................................................................ 36 REGULATING TICKET BROKERS....................................................................................... 36 RENEWABLE AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY................................................................... 36 RESIDENTAL AND URBAN ENCROACHMENT ON MILITARY BASES AND TRAINING AREAS ............................................................................................. 37 RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE......................................................................................... 37 RESTITUTION........................................................................................................................ 37 RESTRUCTURE PRIOR CRIMINAL RECORD POINTS ..................................................... 37 RETAINAGE FROM PAYMENT ON PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ................................................................................................................................... 37 RISING COST OF HEALTH CARE........................................................................................ 38 RURAL SCHOOLS .................................................................................................................. 38 v SALE AND LEASE-BACK OF STATE-OWNED PROPERTY............................................. 38 SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTION ................................................................................... 38 SCHOOL CALENDAR BEGIN CLASS/WORKDAYS.......................................................... 38 SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION ................................................................................................... 38 SCHOOL COUNSELOR JOB DESCRIPTION UPDATE ...................................................... 39 SCHOOL NURSE SERVICES ................................................................................................. 39 SENTENCE LENGTHS ........................................................................................................... 39 SENTENCING GUIDELINES ................................................................................................. 39 SHRIMPING WITH TRAWL NETS ....................................................................................... 39 SINGLE ADMINISTRATOR FOR STATE 401(k) AND 457 PLANS................................... 40 SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT............................................................. 40 SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH INSURANCE CREDIT.......................................................... 40 SMART START FUNDING..................................................................................................... 40 SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION ISSUES................................................................... 40 STATE COST OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.......................................................................... 40 STATE DISABILITY INCOME PLAN ................................................................................... 41 STATE DISABILITY INCOME PLAN, STATE HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN, SEPARATE INSURANCE BENEFITS PLAN FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ....................................................................................... 41 STATE ENERGY OFFICE....................................................................................................... 41 STATE FIRE PROTECTION ................................................................................................... 41 STATE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT............................................................................. 41 STATE-LOCAL RELATIONSHIPS ........................................................................................ 41 STATE PERSONNEL STATUTES.......................................................................................... 42 STATE PORTS ......................................................................................................................... 42 STATEWIDE BENEFITS COMMITTEE................................................................................ 42 STATUTORY RAPE RECLASSIFICATION.......................................................................... 42 STORMWATER ISSUES......................................................................................................... 42 STREAM MAPPING................................................................................................................ 43 STREET GANG TERRORISM PREVENTION ...................................................................... 43 STREET GANG VIOLENCE................................................................................................... 43 STRUCTURED SENTENCING ACT...................................................................................... 43 STUDENT POPULATION GROWTH .................................................................................... 43 SUBSIDIARY DIVIDEND TAXES......................................................................................... 44 SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES ASSESSING AGENCIES............................................... 44 TAX FORECLOSURES ........................................................................................................... 44 TAX INCENTIVES TO PROMOTE PRESERVATION OF OPEN SPACES........................ 44 TAX PREFERENCES............................................................................................................... 44 TAX PREFERENCES TO SUPPORT MILITARY ................................................................. 45 TEACHER ASSISTANT SALARY SCHEDULE ................................................................... 45 TEACHER CERTIFICATION.................................................................................................. 45 TEACHER RETENTION ......................................................................................................... 45 TESTING REFORM................................................................................................................. 45 TIMESHARE SELLER REGULATION.................................................................................. 46 TOTAL TEACHER PROGRAM.............................................................................................. 46 TOWING LAWS, SALVAGE LAWS, AND LIENHOLDER NOTIFICATION WHEN VEHICLES ARE ABANDONED OR SEIZED................................................ 46 TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS................................................................................................ 46 TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DELIVERY PROCESS ...................................................... 46 TRAVEL AND TOURISM CAPITAL INVESTMENT .......................................................... 46 TUITION WAIVERS................................................................................................................ 47 21ST CENTURY REVENUE SYSTEM.................................................................................... 47 UNC BOARD OF GOVERNORS............................................................................................ 47 UNC BOARD OF GOVERNORS............................................................................................ 47 UNIFORM UNINCORPORATED NONPROFIT ASSOCIATION ACT ............................... 47 vi UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS AND PLACEMENT MEASURES......................................... 48 URBAN CORES ....................................................................................................................... 48 URBAN TRANSPORTATION NEEDS................................................................................... 48 VALUATION OF LOTS IN SUBDIVISIONS......................................................................... 48 VIRGINIA-NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SPEED RAIL.......................................................... 49 VOCATS.................................................................................................................................. 49 VOTER PAPER TRAIL............................................................................................................ 49 VOTER PAPER TRAIL............................................................................................................ 49 WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES EVALUATION.................................................... 49 WATER RESTRICTION GUIDELINES ................................................................................. 50 WILMINGTON RACE RIOT................................................................................................... 50 WORKER RETRAINING ........................................................................................................ 50 WORKERS' COMPENSATION PREMIUMS REDUCTION................................................. 50 WORKERS' COMPENSATION/AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT.................................. 50 WORKERS' COMPENSATION/TRUCKING COMPANIES................................................. 51 WORKFORCE NEEDS............................................................................................................ 51 YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS...................................................................................................... 51 PART II : STUDY COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES & TASK FORCES .................................... 53 ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE............................................................................................................... 53 ADMINISTRATIVE RULES REVIEW COMMISSION ........................................................ 54 ADVISORY BUDGET COMMISSION................................................................................... 54 AGING, STUDY COMMISSION ON...................................................................................... 55 AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY AWARENESS STUDY COMMISSION............................................................................................................... 57 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL ISSUES, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON.......................................................................................................... 58 BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS, STUDY COMMISSION ON STATE........................................................................................................................... 59 CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, FOSTER CARE, AND ADOPTION, HOUSE INTERIM COMMITTEE ON.......................................................................... 60 CHILDREN AND YOUTH, LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON........................... 63 COMPANION ANIMALS, LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON............................. 65 COMPANION ANIMALS AND THE INTERVENTION OF ANIMAL CRUELTY, HOUSE INTERIM COMMITTEE ON THE PREVENTION AND DISPOSITION OF UNWANTED AND ABANDONED.................................... 66 CORRECTIONS, CRIME CONTROL AND JUVENILE JUSTICE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE ................................................. 67 COURTS COMMISSION......................................................................................................... 69 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ........................................... 71 DOROTHEA DIX HOSPITAL PROPERTY STUDY COMMISSION................................... 72 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE, STUDY COMMISSION ON........................................................................................................ 73 ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON.......................................................................................................... 76 EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS ON LONG TERM SUSPENSION, HOUSE INTERIM COMMITTEE ON PROVIDING AN APPROPRIATE............................... 77 EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE.................................... 79 ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON........................... 81 ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS STUDY COMMISSION .............................................. 82 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND STATEWIDE COMMUNICATIONS, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON .............................................................................. 83 EMPLOYEE HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL BENEFITS, COMMITTEE ON......................... 84 EMPLOYEE HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL BENEFITS, SENATE vii SELECT COMMITTEE ON .......................................................................................... 85 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ........................................................ 86 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMISSION...................................................................... 86 ETHICS COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE................................................................................. 88 EXECUTIVE BUDGET ACT REVISIONS, JOINT COMMITTEE ON ................................ 89 EXPANDING RAIL SERVICE, HOUSE INTERIM COMMITTEE ON................................ 90 FUTURE OF ELECTRIC SERVICE IN NORTH CAROLINA, STUDY COMMISSION ON THE ............................................................................................... 92 FUTURE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD STUDY COMMISSION....................................................................................................................................... 94 FUTURE STRATEGIES, JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON.................................. 96 GENERAL STATUTES COMMISSION................................................................................. 97 GLOBAL TRANSPARK AUTHORITY.................................................................................. 98 GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON........................................................................................................ 98 GROWTH STRATEGIES OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE............................................................................................................... 101 GUARDIANSHIP LAWS, LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON STATE........................................................................................................................... 102 HEALTH CARE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE¸ JOINT LEGISLATIVE ............................... 104 HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, STUDY COMMISSION ON ................................................................................................................................. 105 HEALTH INSURANCE INNOVATIONS COMMISSION .................................................... 107 HIGHWAY TRUST FUND STUDY COMMITTEE............................................................... 108 HISTORIC REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE............................... 109 HORACE WILLIAMS AIRPORT, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE....................... 109 HURRICANE EVACUATION STANDARDS STUDY COMMISSION............................... 110 HURRICANE RELIEF, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON ................................................. 111 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON.......................................................................................................... 112 INSURANCE AND CIVIL JUSTICE REFORM, SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON.......................................................................................................... 114 LAPTOPS IN SENATE CHAMBER, SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ....................... 115 LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ......................................................................... 116 LEGISLATIVE SERVICES COMMISSION........................................................................... 119 LOCAL SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FINANCING STUDY COMMISSION ..................... 120 LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON..................... 121 MEDICAID REFORM, BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ON ................................................ 122 MEDICAL MALPRACTICE, HOUSE BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE ON ......................... 123 MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON .................................................................................. 125 MILITARY AFFAIRS, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON .................................................. 127 MILITARY AFFAIRS, SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON.............................................. 129 MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAWS, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON............................ 129 MUNICIPAL INCORPORATIONS, JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON ................................................................................................................................. 129 NATUROPATHIC LICENSING, JOINT SELECT STUDY COMMITTEE ON.................... 130 NEW LICENSING BOARDS, LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON........................................ 131 PROFITEERING FROM CRIME, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON PREVENTING UNJUST ............................................................................................... 132 PROPERTY TAX SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE REVENUE LAWS STUDY COMMITTEE................................................................................................................. 133 PUBLIC HEALTH STUDY COMMISSION ........................................................................... 133 REDISTRICTING, SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON..................................................... 135 viii RESIDENTAL AND URBAN ENCROACHMENT ON MILITARY BASES AND TRAINING AREAS, STUDY COMMISSION ON............................................. 137 RESTITUTION, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON........................................................... 138 REVENUE LAWS STUDY COMMITTEE ............................................................................. 139 RISING COST OF HEALTH CARE, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE ............................................................................................................................... 140 SEAFOOD AND AQUACULTURE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON ................................................................................................................................. 142 SENIOR TAR HEEL LEGISLATURE .................................................................................... 143 SENTENCING AND POLICY ADVISORY COMMISSION................................................. 149 SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON.......................................................................................................... 150 SMART START FUNDING STUDY COMMISSION............................................................ 152 STATE DISABILITY INCOME PLAN STUDY COMMISSION .......................................... 153 STATE DISABILITY INCOME PLAN, THE STATE DEATH BENEFIT PLAN, AND THE SEPARATE INSURANCE BENEFITS PLAN FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, STUDY COMMISSION ON THE.................... 154 STATE PERSONNEL STATUTES, LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON ................................................................................................................................. 155 STATEWIDE BENEFITS COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE A MENU OF PORTABLE SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS FOR ALL STATE EMPLOYEES, STUDY COMMISSION ON ESTABLISHMENT OF A..................... 157 STATEWIDE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS STUDY COMMISSION........................... 157 STREET GANG VIOLENCE PREVENTION, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON.......................................................................................................... 158 TRANSPORTATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE ....................... 159 21ST CENTURY REVENUE SYSTEM, LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON A .................................................................................................... 161 UNC BOARD OF GOVERNORS, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE ....................... 162 UNC BOARD OF GOVERNORS STUDY COMMISSION ................................................... 164 URBAN TRANSPORTATION NEEDS, BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION TO STUDY SOLUTIONS TO NORTH CAROLINA’S...................................................... 165 UTILITY REVIEW COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE .................................................. 167 VIRGINIA-NORTH CAROLINA INTERSTATE HIGH-SPEED RAIL COMMISSION............................................................................................................... 168 WILMINGTON RACE RIOT COMMISSION, 1898 .............................................................. 169 WORKER RETRAINING, STUDY COMMISSION ON........................................................ 169 WORKFORCE NEEDS, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON ................................................ 171 2003 ENACTED AND PROPOSED STUDIES .................................................................................. 175 2004 GENERAL ASSEMBLY STUDIES AND REPORTS .............................................................. 185 INDEX ................................................................................................................................................... 217 ix x 1 PART I : STUDIES & REPORTS BY SUBJECT ABANDONED JUNK VEHICLES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(n), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly ACTIVITY BUS SAFETY RULES Authority: SL2003-284 §7.25(c), HB 397. Report by: State Board of Education Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report due: March 15, 2004 Scope: Shall study the adequacy of the safety rules and policies adopted by local boards of education regarding the use of activity buses. Contact: Board Office (919) 807-3304 ADJUST PENALTIES FOR B1 TO E OFFENSES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT ADVOCACY PROGRAMS Authority: SL2003-284 §18.2, HB 397. Report by: Department of Administration Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, House Appropriations Committee, and Senate Appropriations Committee. Report due: May 1, 2004 Scope: Shall study the functions of the advocacy programs that are housed in the Department of Administration to determine the appropriate organizational placement of the programs within State government. The study shall also consider whether the functions of the programs could be more efficiently and effectively performed by an appropriate nonprofit organization. Contact: George Millsaps, Liaison for Productivity and Legislative Affairs (919) 807-2340 AGRIBUSINESS AND AGRICULTURE TEACHING FELLOWS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly AGRICULTURE COMMODITY INCENTIVES Authority: SL2004-161 §30.2, SB 1152. Report by: Agriculture and Forestry Awareness Study Commission Report to: General Assembly 2 Report due: Upon convening of the 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the possibility of establishing incentive programs to bebefit firms purchasing additional large quantities of NC farm commodity products when an overabundance of a specific commodity is designated by the State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to be available for sale. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. ALCOHOL AND DRUG EDUCATION TRAFFIC (ADET) SCHOOLS Authority: SL2004-197 §4, HB 1356. Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the certification requirements for persons conducting alcohol and drug education traffic schools, and the adequacy of the fee paid to the treatment facility or school by a client for receiving treatment or education. Expansion of 'Substance abuse services assessing agencies' study under SL2003-396 §2. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (HOUSE) Authority: Letter of 11/3/2003; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6(a), and House Rule 26(a) Report by: House Select Committee on Alcoholic Beverage Control Issues Report to: General Assembly Report due: May report to the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, and shall report to the 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study all aspects of alcoholic beverage control in the State Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly ALTERNATIVE-FUEL/LOW EMISSION SCHOOL BUS PURCHASES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly ALTERNATIVE FUELS Authority: SL2004-161 §17.3, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the use, availability, benefits, and disadvantages of alternative fuels. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. 3 APPROPRIATE EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS ON LONG-TERM SUSPENSION Authority: SL2004-161 §13.16, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether to and to what extent NC should mandate certain actions/policies for students on long-term suspension. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. ARSON OFFENSES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly ATTORNEY SOLICITATION REGULATION Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly ATTRACTING TEACHERS TO BECOME COACHES Authority: SL2004-161 §13.9, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the need to attract teachers into assuming additional duties of coaching interscholastic athletic teams in middle and high schools. Shall consider the feasibility of establishing a coaching fellowship program to attract students preparing to enter teaching through higher education coursework into coaching. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. AVAILABILITY/DELIVERY OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES TO HISPANICS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(g), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly BANKING LAWS Authority: SL2004-171 §17, SB 676 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly BENEFITS FOR STATE EMPLOYEE DEPENDENTS Authority: SL2004-161 §15.2, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee 4 Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study alternative benefit plans for dependents of State employees. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS SIZE AND SCOPE Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(a), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS Authority: SL2004-161 §50.1, SB 1152. Report by: Study Commission on State Boards, Commissions, and Councils Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall examine the organization, powers, duties, functions, and funding of State boards, commissions, and councils. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. BUDGET PRACTICES Authority: SL2003-284 §6.2A(a), HB 397. Report by: Office of State Budget and Management Report to: House Appropriations Committee, and Senate Appropriations Committee. Report due: Not specified Scope: In consultation with the State Controller, shall conduct a review and evaluation of current practices relative to: nonreverting funds and accounts; designation of “off budget” funds; sources of authority for expenditures from special funds, trust funds, internal service funds, and enterprise funds; classification and management of said funds; appropriate budget planning within these funds; and administration of G.S. 143-27. Where the review/evaluation reveals problems or failures the Office shall report its findings and recommendations. Contact: Charles Perusse – Deputy State Budget Director (919) 733-7061 BUDGET PROCESS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Authority: SL2003-284 §6.12(b), HB 397; and SL2004-161 §47.1, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Committee on Executive Budget Act Revisions Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall consider contemporary financial management practices in reviewing the current budget process. Shall recommend any changes to the Executive Budget Act that are needed to modernize and improve the process of budget preparation, budget adoption, budget execution, and program evaluation. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. 5 BULK PURCHASING OF PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. BUSINESS TAXATION Authority: SL2004-161 §14.13, SB 1152. Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study comprehensive reform and simplification of the existing State taxes on business entities, including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, business trusts, associations, and other entities engaged in business. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS STANDARDS AND PLANS IMPLEMENTATION Authority: SL2002-4 §13, SB 1078. Report by: Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Air Quality Report to: Environmental Management Commission and Environmental Review Commission Report due: Interim findings by September 1, 2003 and final findings and recommendations no later than September 1, 2005. Scope: Shall study issues related to the development and implementation of standards and plans to implement programs to control emissions of carbon dioxide from coal-fired generating units and other stationary sources of air pollution. Contact: Johanna Reese, Legislative Liaison (919) 715-4189 CARE AND SAFETY OF RESIDENTS OF RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly CASINO NIGHTS FOR NONPROFITS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly CHAPTER 20 (MOTOR VEHICLE ACT) CONSOLIDATION Authority: SL2001-491 §26.1, SB 166. Report by: General Statutes Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2003 General Assembly and 2005 General Assembly 6 Scope: May study renumbering, rearranging, and consolidating the provisions of Chapter 20 of the General Statutes. Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. CHARITABLE BINGO/BEACH BINGO Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, FOSTER CARE, AND ADOPTION Authority: Letter of 09-19-03; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6 Report by: House Interim Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, Foster Care, and Adoption Report to: General Assembly Report due: April 15, 2004. Scope: In undertaking the study of child abuse and neglect, the Committee shall determine how children might be better protected from abuse and neglect. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CLEAN AIR TRUST FUND Authority: SL2004-161 §19.6, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study establishing a Clean Air Trust Fund. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CLOSE ACHIEVEMENT GAP Authority: SL2004-161 §13.7, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the best practices and methodologies for closing the achievement gap among children of various demographic groups who are performing below grade level. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OF RESTITUTION Authority: SL2004-161 §26.1, SB 1152. Report by: Administrative Office of the Courts and Department of Correction Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall jointly study the processes for the collection of restitution and shall determine methods for reducing the number of restitution payments that go unclaimed. Contact: David F. Hoke Assistant Director, AOC (919) 715-4890 7 COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND EMERGENCY SITUATIONS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly COMPANION ANIMALS Authority: SL2002-180 §6.1, SB 98. Report by: Legislative Study Commission on Companion Animals Report to: General Assembly Report due: May make an interim report no later than the convening of the 2003 General Assembly, and final report to the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session Scope: Shall review the laws regarding companion animals considering the operation of public and private shelters, spay-neuter programs, minimum standards and responsibilities for owners, and the need and feasibility of licensing commercial breeders and kennel operators. Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. COMPANION ANIMALS (HOUSE) Authority: Letter of 8-13-2003; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6 Report by: House Interim Committee on the Prevention and Disposition of Unwanted and Abandoned Companion Animals and the Intervention of Animal Cruelty Report to: General Assembly Report due: Report to the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, and final report December 31, 2004 Scope: Shall address the issue of preventing unwanted and abandoned companion animals, specifically through the medical procedures pr spaying and neutering, to review the laws related to current control practices, including disposition, and the laws dealing with revenue collection and appropriation. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. COMPARATIVE TAX BURDEN Authority: SL2004-161 §14.8, SB 1152. Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the comparative tax burden on residents of South Carolina and residents of North Carolina. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN HIGH-LEVEL OFFICERS Authority: SL2003-284 §30.15, HB 397. Report by: Office of State Personnel, Office of State Budget and Management Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall study the relative compensation of members of the Council of State, State department heads, and other high-ranking elected and nonelected public officials whose salaries are set by the General Assembly to determine whether the officers are being compensated at rates 8 in accordance with: scope of responsibility and span of control; critical nature of department, agency, institution, or function; relative size of operations and budget under officer’s control; and required credentials, knowledge, and experience necessary for position. Contact: Thomas H. Wright – Director (919) 733-7108 COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLANNING Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(i), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION ISSUES Authority: SL2004-161 §17.4, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study all aspects of transportation, including planning and scheduling of projects, legislative and executive oversight, revenues, funding, and expenditures of the Highway Fund, the Highway Trust Fund, and Federal Aid programs for transportation. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. COMPUTER-BASED MATH AND LITERACY PROGRAMS Authority: SL2004-161 §13.15, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study ways to improve math and literacy skills in children age 18 months to six years through the use of innovative computer-based software. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CONFINEMENT OF INCAPACITATED INMATES Authority: SL2004-161 §29.4, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the confinement of inmates who are irreversibly, physically incapacitated due to chronic illness or disability. May include, but not limited to, a review of current policies, a calculation of potential population figures and medical care costs, a determination of possible alternatives to incarceration and accompanying costs, and a consideration of procedures for termination of commutation of sentences. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CONFORM BANK EXPENSE DEDUCTION Authority: SL2004-161 §14.4, SB 1152. Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee 9 Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether the State income tax on banks should be conformed to the federal income tax. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CONSOLIDATED CORPORATE INCOME TAX RETURNS Authority: SL2003-349 §9, SB 236. Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: Not specified Report Due: Not specified Scope: The Committee shall establish a study group composed of State tax professionals from accounting firms and representatives of the Department of Revenue to work together on gathering appropriate data to conduct an analysis of the potential revenue impact of modifying the corporate income tax law to require consolidated returns. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CONSOLIDATION OF STATE HEALTH CARE SERVICES Authority: SL2004-161 §15.3, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether a State entity should be established to purchase health care services provided with State funds and to administer data consolidation and claims processing systems in order to enhance quality of care, promote cost containment, and achieve administrative efficiency and effectiveness in the system of services provided by the State. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CRAVEN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL Authority: SL2004-161 §43.1, SB 1152. Report by: Craven Technical High School Task Force Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report due: January 15, 2005 Scope: State Board of Community Colleges, State Board of Education, Craven Community College, Craven County Schools may establish task force to develop a plan to expand students' education oportunities within the school system by creating a technical high school. Contact: Dr. Barry Russell State Board of Community Colleges (919) 733-7051 CREDIT FOR HIRING APPRENTICES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly 10 CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS FEE ADJUSTMENT Authority: SL2003-284 §14.5(b), HB 397. Report by: Office of State Budget and Management Report to: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, and Fiscal Research Division Contact: Charles Perusse – Deputy State Budget Director (919) 733-7061 CURRITUCK TO OUTER BANKS FERRY Authority: SL2002-126 §26.12, SB 1115 Report by: Department of Transportation Report to: General Assembly Report due: On or before June 1, 2003 Scope: Shall study and determine the feasibility of establishing ferry service from Currituck County to the northern Outer Banks. Contact: Susan Coward– Legislative Liaison (919) 733-2520 DAIRY INDUSTRY Authority: SL2004-161 §30.4, SB 1152. Report by: Agriculture and Forestry Awareness Study Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of the 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the condition of the dairy industry in the State. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly DETER JUVENILE ESCAPES Authority: SL2004-161 §29.2, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the issue of persons who escape from the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and develop appropriate sanctions for those persons. Shall consult with the Department, the AOC, and the Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission to develop a statutory scheme through which both juveniles and persons who are over the age of 16 years shall be punished for escaping from the custody of the Department. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. 11 DETERRENTS TO STORMWATER RUNOFF Authority: SL2004-161 §19.8, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the feasibility of encouraging permeable surfaces as a deterrent to stormwater runoff. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. DISPUTE SETTLEMENT CENTERS Authority: SL2003-284 §13.15(b), HB 397. Report by: Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee Report to: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety Scope: The Committee shall Review funding for centers, study the use of funding by recipients, determine if language of statute accurately state’s the GA’s priorities, recommend whether to vary match requirements according to each center’s ability to obtain non-State resources, and study any other relevant factors. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Authority: Letter of 8-12-2003; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6a and House Rule 26a Report by: House Select Committee on Domestic Violence Report to: General Assembly Report due: April 15, 2004 Scope: Shall review the causes of domestic violence, the laws related to domestic violence in North Carolina, the law enforcement and judicial system responses to domestic violence cases, the severity of criminal penalties in domestic violence cases, the effectiveness of the 1999 Crime Victims' Rights Act, and the adequacy of the data collection systems tracking domestic violence cases and homicides. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. DOROTHEA DIX HOSPITAL PROPERTY Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly DOROTHEA DIX PROPERTY Authority: SL2003-314 sec. 3.4(a), HB 684. Report by: Dorothea Dix Hospital Property Study Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Not specified Scope: Shall study the sale of Dorothea Dix campus property no longer needed by the hospital and not transferred to another agency and make recommendations on options for sale of the property to the Governmental Operations Commission before any sale. Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. 12 DREDGE Authority: SL2004-124 §30.12, HB 1414. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Not specified Scope: Shall study the feasibility and cost of constructing and establishing a dredge to be used to clear channels that are within the State and that are not maintained by the Corps of Engineers and to be used for beach renourishment. May hire an outside consultant in conducting this study. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. DRIVER EDUCATION PRIVATIZATION Authority: SL2003-284 §29.7, HB 397. Report by: State Board of Education Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee, and Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report due: November 30, 2003 Scope: Shall study statewide privatization of State-funded driver education programs. Contact: Board Office (919) 807-3304 DUPLICATION OF SMART START SERVICES Authority: SL2003-284 §10.38(i), HB 397. Report by: NC Partnership for Children, Inc. Report to: House Appropriations Committee, and Senate Appropriations Committee Report due: Not specified Scope: Shall study any duplication of health services, family support, and program support activities. Contact: Karen Ponder – Executive Director (919) 821-7999 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE Authority: SL2004-161 §49.1, SB 1152. Report by: Study Commission on Economic Development Infrastructure Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall examine the existing infrastructure for the delivery of economic development, including the many entities involved in economic development. Shall develop a plan to restructure and consolidate the infrastructure for the delivery of economic development to improve its organization and effectiveness. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT Authority: Letter of 09-04-2003; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, House Rule 26(a), and Senate Rule 31 Report by: Joint Select Committee on Economic Growth and Development Report to: General Assembly Report due: May report to the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, and shall report to the 2005 General Assembly 13 Scope: Undertake a comprehensive review of the current State and local resources devoted to economic growth and development and determine how the State, working together with local communities, can best achieve economic stability, growth, and development in North Carolina. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS ON LONG TERM SUSPENSION Authority: Letter of 11/12/2003; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6 Report by: House Interim Committee on Providing an Appropriate Education for Students on Long- Term Suspension Report to: General Assembly Report due: April 15, 2004 Scope: Shall study the feasibility and cost of developing a State plan to ensure that students recommended for long-term suspension receive an appropriate education. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. EFFECTIVENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS Authority: SL2004-161 §19.2, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the overall effectiveness of the State's efforts to protect the environment and conserve the natural resources of North Carolina. This study should include a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of existing legal mandates and of the organizational structure of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. ELECTRONIC MONITORING Authority: SL2003-284 §16.14, HB 397. Report by: Department of Correction Report to: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety Report due: March 1, 2004 Scope: Shall issue a request for information to determine interest and qualifications of private vendors, report on efforts to increase the use of electronic monitoring, document the geographic distribution of electronic monitoring compared to other intermediate sanctions, and analyze the reasons for the underutilization of the program. Contact: Legislative Liaison (919) 716-3700 ELECTRONIC NOTARIZATION Authority: SL2003-233 §4, SB 622. Report by: Secretary of State Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session Scope: May study and make recommendations regarding what changes are desirable to the Notary Public Act to further facilitate electronic notarization. Contact: Robert Wilson – Legislative Liaison 14 (919) 807-2023 ELECTRONIC RECORDATION Authority: SL2004-161 §6.1, SB 1152. Report by: General Statutes Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the issue of electronic recordation, specifically with regard to real property documents and other documents filed with register of deeds. Shall study methods for establishing uniform legal standards for the receipt, recordation, authentication, preservation, and retrieval of electronic documentsThe study shall include consideration of the Uniform Real Property Recordation Act drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws as well as other recources on electronic recording standards from national organizations such as the Property Records Industry Association and the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES IN RURAL COUNTIES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Authority: SL2002-180 §15.1, SB 98. Report by: Statewide Emergency Preparedness Study Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: May make interim reports to the 2003 General Assembly, final report to the 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the delivery of emergency medical services in the State: examining the State Trauma System funding; legal, administrative, logistical and other impediments to trauma care; ways of improving trauma care; State readiness to handle trauma from massive disasters; and other related matters. Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND STATEWIDE COMMUNICATIONS Authority: Letter of February 17, 2004; pursuant to House Rule 26(a), and Senate Rule 31. Report by: Joint Select Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Statewide Communication Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the delivery of emergency medical services and statewide communications. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. EMPLOYEE HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL BENEFITS Authority: Pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6(a) Report by: Senate Select Committee on Employee Hospital and Medical Benefits Report to: General Assembly Report Due: Not specified Scope: Not specified 15 Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES OF CANCER Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. EQUITY-BUILDING HOME OWNERSHIP Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(k), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly E-TEXTBOOKS FOR STUDENTS Authority: SL2004-161 §13.8, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study issues related to the availability and use of electronic copies of textbooks for public school students Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. EUGENIC STERILIZATION COMPENSATION Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly EVALUATE WATER QUALITY AND ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION IN SWIFT CREEK Authority: SL2003-433 §3, HB 566. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session Scope: May identify and evaluate options to protect water quality and endangered species in the portion of Swift Creek and its watershed in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin that are located east of Nash County State Road 1003 (Red Oak Road). Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. EXPANDING RAIL SERVICE Authority: Letter of October 8, 2004; pursuant to House Rule 26(a). Report by: House Interim Committee on Expanding Rail Service Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the costs and benefits of expanding and upgrading rail freight service in the State, the feasibility, cost, and benefits of commuter rail service, the cost and benefits of expanding passenger rail service including tourism, and ways to preserve unused or 16 abandoned rail corridors for future rail needs. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. FAIR BARGAIN ACT Authority: SL2004-161 §19.7, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study revocation of contracts under certain circumstances. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. FEDERAL STRUCTURED SENTENCING SYSTEM Authority: SL2004-161 §29.3, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the State's current system of structured sentencing and compare that with the federal system of structured sentencing. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. FILM INDUSTRY FEASIBILITY Authority: SL2003-284 §9.5, HB 397. Report by: UNC Board of Governors Report to: General Assembly Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall conduct a feasibility study to assess the strategic opportunities in the arts and entertainment industry in Forsyth County and its environs in the creation of programs, facilities, job opportunities, and tourism demand related to the film industry. The study shall include: the development of a program in digital media, and the development of a tourism destination film industry studio backlot. Contact: Board Office (919) 962-1000 FILM INDUSTRY INCENTIVES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly FINANCIAL BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE Authority: SL2001-491 §17.1, SB 166; SL2002-126 §25.1(c), SB 1115. Report by: Office of State Controller Report to: General Assembly Report due: Interim report to the 2001 General Assembly 2002 Regular Session, and a final report to the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session Scope: With the assistance of the Office of State Budget and Management, Office of Information Technology Services, and Office of State Personnel, shall engage a qualified consulting firm to determine the feasibility of developing and implementing a new financial business infrastructure for the State. 17 Contact: Robert Powell, State Controller (919) 981-5406 FIRE SAFETY IN LOCAL CONFINEMENT FACILITIES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly FLOODPLAIN MAPPING INFORMATION SHARING PLAN Authority: SL2004-161 §19.3, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether the information compiled on a regular basis by the Statewide Floodplain Mapping Unit would be useful and relevant to dam operators, local agencies, and State agencies with regard to making decisions about coordinating and controlling water releases from dams, flood control, floodplain management, and emergency evacuation procedures. May also study any other issues relevant to this topic. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. FOOD SAFETY AND SECURITY Authority: SL2004-161 §30.3, SB 1152. Report by: Agriculture and Forestry Awareness Study Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of the 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study ways to protect the State's food supply system and the agricultural industry base. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. FORGIVENESS OF STUDENT DEBT PROGRAM Authority: SL2004-161 §27.1, SB 1152. Report by: UNC Board of Governors Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report due: January 15, 2005 Scope: In conjunction with the Education Assistance Authority, may study the feasibility of a program that would forgive student indebtedness for teachers who have continuing certification in and are teaching in the disciplines of mathematics, science, or special education. Contact: Board Office (919) 962-1000 FORT FISHER VEHICLE USE Authority: SL2004-124 §12.3(b), HB 1414. Report by: Department of Environment and Natural Resources Report to: Environmental Review Commission Report due: February 1, 2005. 18 Scope: Shall conduct a study of vehicle use at Fort Fisher Recreation Area. Shall consider and determine the demand for vehicle access to the beach during different times of the year, review of scientific studies on the impact of vehicle use on sea turtles and nesting activity compared with such activity on adjoining Bald Head Conservancy property and Masonboro Island, and an analysis of the economic impact of restricting 24-hour vehicle access. Contact: Johanna Reese, Legislative Liaison (919) 715-4189 FUTURE OF ELECTRIC SERVICES Authority: SL97-40, SB 38; SL1999-122, HB 778; SL1999-395 §6.1, HB 163; SL2000-53, HB 1593; SL2000-67 §14.10, HB 1840. Report by: Study Commission on the Future of Electric Service in North Carolina Report to: General Assembly Report due: Interim report to the 1997 General Assembly 1998 Regular Session, and shall report periodically thereafter and shall terminate June 30, 2006. Scope: Shall study the cost, adequacy, availability and pricing of electric rates and service to determine whether legislation is necessary to assure adequate and reliable service and economical, fair and equitable rates for all consumers of electricity. Study shall include reliability, universal access, states reciprocity, stranded costs, state and federal jurisdiction, alternative regulation, customer choice of providers, and the impact of competition. Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. FUTURE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD Authority: G.S. 120-245 Report by: Future of the North Carolina Railroad Study Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Annually Scope: Shall study the importance of railroads and railroad infrastructure to economic development including short-line railroads, and issues important to the future of passenger and freight rail service, methods to expedite property disputes between railroads and property owners, and all aspects of the operation, structure, management, and long-range plans of the N.C. Railroad. Note: Made permanent by SL2000-138 sec. 8.3(b). Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. GIVING NOTICE OF RIGHTS TO CONTEST MECHANIC'S LIEN STORAGE CHARGE OF VEHICLES SEIZED UNDER DWI FORFEITURE LAWS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly GLOBAL TRANSPARK DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BOARD STRUCTURE Authority: SL2003-284 §12.8(f), HB 397 Report by: To be conducted by a designee of the NC Partnership for Economic Development Report to: Fiscal Research Division and members of the NC Partnership for Economic Development Scope: Board structure of the Global TransPark Development Commission shall be studied in accordance with recommendations in the Kenan-Flagler study, to determine if the board 19 structure should be reconstituted and made similar to the boards of the Northeastern or Southeastern NC Regional Economic Development Commissions. GUARDIANSHIP LAWS Authority: SL2004-161 §45.1, SB 1152. Report by: Legislative Study Commission on State Guardianship laws Report to: General Assembly Report due: Interim report to upon convening of the 2005 General Assembly, and final report upon convening of 2005 General Assembly 2006 Regular Session Scope: To review State law pertaining to guardianship and its relationship to other pertinent State laws such as the health care power of attorney, the right to a natural death, and durable power of attorney. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HABITUAL FELON LAW AMENDMENT Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly HANDHELD CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Authority: SL2004-161 §34.1, SB 1152. Report by: Study Commission on Health Care Workforce Development Report to: General Assembly Report due: Interim report to the 2005 General Assembly 2005 Regular Session, and final report to the 2005 General Assembly 2006 Regular Session Scope: To determine methods to increase the number of people providing health and dental care in this State and to overcome existing barriers contributing to the health care provider shortages. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HEALTH INSURANCE Authority: SL2004-175, HB 1463. Report by: Health Insurance Innovations Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Not specified Scope: Identify and evaluate comprehensively the problems small employers face when they attempt to obtain health insurance coverage for themselves and their employees and consider the impact these problems have for large employees and the communities they serve. Initiate regional demonstration projects to pilot innovative health care plans and products to address the problems identified. Develop clear and substantive 20 recommendationsfor actions that must be taken by health insurance carriers, health care providers, government, small business employers, large business employers, consumers, and consumer groups. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HEALTH INSURANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES/TRADE ASSOCIATIONS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(b), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly HEALTH INSURANCE FOR UNINSURABLE INDIVIDUALS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(c), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly HEALTH INSURANCE MANDATES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly HIGH-RISK HEALTH INSURANCE POOLS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE INCENTIVES Authority: SL2004-161 §13.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether bonuses should be paid to principals for increased graduation rates. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN COLLEGE LEVEL COURSES Authority: SL2003-284 §7.36, HB 397. Report by: State Board of Education Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report due: December 15, 2003 Scope: Shall study the issue of weighted grades for high school students who take university and community college courses. Contact: Board Office (919) 807-3304 21 HIGHWAY TRUST FUND Authority: SL2003-284 §29.12(c), HB 397; and SL2004-161 §20.1, SB 1152. Report by: Highway Trust Fund Study Committee Report to: Joint Legislative Transportation oversight Committee Report due: January 31, 2005 Scope: May study all aspects of the Highway Trust Fund. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HIGHWAY USE TAX BASED ON EFFICIENCY/VEHICLE REGISTRATION BASED ON VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED Authority: SL2004-161 §19.10, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether to modify the current highway use tax so that all or a portion of the tax paid on a private passenger vehicle is based on fuel efficiency, and whether to modify the current vehicle registration fee so that all or a portion of the annual fee for a passenger vehicle is based on vehicle miles traveled. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly HORACE WILLIAMS AIRPORT Authority: Letter of 01-20-2004, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, House Rule 26(a), and Senate Rule 31 Report by: Joint Select Committee on the Horace Williams Airport Report to: General Assembly Report due: May report to the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, final report to the 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the utility of maintaining the operation of the Horace Williams Airport in Chapel Hill, taking in to consideration issues of safety, access, expense of operation, and alternative operation structures to meet aviation demands at the existing facility. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HURRICANE EVACUATION STANDARDS STUDY COMMISSION Authority: SL2004-161 §32.1, SB 1152. Report by: Hurricane Evacuation Standards Study Commission Report to: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report due: January 15, 2005 Scope: Shall study the development and establishment of hurricane evacuation standards for the State. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HURRICANE RELIEF Authority: Letter of November 30, 2004; pursuant to House Rule 26(a), and Senate Rule 31. 22 Report by: Joint Select Committee on Hurricane Relief Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the impacts of the 2004 hurricanes in the State, particularly those impacts associated with events in the western part of the State. Shall determine if any unmet needs exist after operation of customary federal, State, and local disaster recovery programs. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. I-95 TOLLS Authority: SL2004-161 §17.2, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the feasibility of establishing tolls on Interstate 95 from South Carolina to Virginia. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. IMMIGRATION Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly IMPACT OF ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR CONSERVATION ON LOCAL TAX REVENUES Authority: SL2003-284 §11.7(a), HB 397. Report by: Property Tax Subcommittee of the Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, Revenue Laws Study Committee, and Fiscal Research Division Report due: January 15, 2004 Scope: Shall study the positive and negative impacts of the acquisition of land by the State and non-profit organizations using money from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and other State funds for conservation purposes on local government ad velorem tax revenues. The Committee may consider efforts by other states and the federal government to mitigate the negative impacts of acquisition of land for conservation. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. INCOME TAX DERIVED FROM MANUFACTURING Authority: SL2004-161 §14.6, SB 1152. Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether income tax derived from manufacturing should be exempt from income taxation. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BUDGET STRUCTURE REVIEW Authority: SL2003-284 §21.1, HB 397 23 Report by: Office of State Budget and Management Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, chairs of the Joint Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, and Fiscal Research Division Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall conduct a study of information technology expenditures across all of State government, with focused attention to identification and elimination of duplicative expenditures, operations, and inventory, to identify and recommend potential cost savings and efficiencies in State agency IT operations. Contact: Charles Perusse – Deputy State Budget Director (919) 733-7061 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LEGACY SYSTEMS Authority: SL2003-172, HB 941. Report by: Office of Information Technology Services Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations Report due: Assessment phase by March 1, 2004, 2nd phase by January 31, 2005. Scope: Shall, in conjunction with the Information Resource Management Commission, analyze the State’s legacy information technology systems and develop a plan to ascertain the needs, costs, and time frame required for State agencies to progress to more modern information technology systems. Contact: George Bakolia – Chief Information Officer (919) 981-2680 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OPERATION CENTRALIZATION FOR DHHS Authority: SL2003-284 §10.8A(a), HB 397. Report by: Department of Health and Human Services Report to: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and Fiscal Research Division Scope: Shall conduct a department wide examination and analysis of its information technology infrastructure, including expenditures and management function. The Department shall review contracts with outside vendors, and consider the implementation of performance measures on future contracts. The Department shall develop a plan for the establishment of a Central IT Operations Unit common to all divisions, offices, and programs of the Department. Contact: Glenda Parker – Administration Officer (919) 733-4534 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY ASSESSMENT Authority: SL2003-153 §1, HB 1003. Report by: State Chief Information Officer Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, and public Report due: May 4, 2004 Scope: Shall assess the ability of each agency to comply with the current security enterprise-wide set of standards established pursuant to this section. The assessment shall include the rate of compliance with the standards in each agency, an assessment of each agency’s security organization, network security architecture, and current expenditures for information technology security. The assessment shall also estimate the cost to implement the security measures needed for agencies to fully comply with the standards. Contact: George Bakolia – Chief Information Officer (919) 981-2680 24 INSURANCE AND CIVIL JUSTICE REFORM Authority: Pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6(a) Report by: Senate Select Committee on Insurance and Civil Justice Reform Report to: General Assembly Report Due: Not specified Scope: Not specified Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. INTEGRATION OF CARE FOR CHILDREN WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEM SERVICE NEEDS Authority: SL2004-161 §24.2, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall conduct a comprehensive review of the State's system of care for children with multiple system service needs, to determine the extent to which children who need services from multiple State and local agencies in this system are or are not receiving those services in a timely manner, the effectiveness of the services provided, the potential long-term impact on the children, their families, and the State and local resources of not providing all services in a timely and cost-effective manner, and to make detailed recommendations on the system changes necessary to address the problems identified as quickly as possible. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. INTERNET SALE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. JOB SHARING Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly JUDICIAL APPROVAL FOR PLEAS IN CERTAIN CASES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Authority: SL2004-161 §13.10, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly 25 Scope: May study the issue of modifying kindergarten admission requirements as it relates to student readiness to enter kindergarten. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. LABOR AUDIT SYSTEMS/INCENTIVES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly LANDSCAPE/IRRIGATION CONTRACTORS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly LAPTOPS IN SENATE CHAMBER Authority: Pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6(a) Report by: Senate Select Committee on Laptops in Senate Chamber Report to: General Assembly Report Due: Not specified Scope: Not specified Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER RECLASSIFICATION Authority: SL2004-161 §42.1, SB 1152. Report by: Office of State Personnel. Report to: General Assembly and Fiscal Research Division Report due: January 3, 2005 Scope: Shall conduct a reclassification study of all sworn law enforcement officers employed in the Division of Parks and Recreation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Contact: Thomas Wright, Director (919) 733-7108 LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK PROGRAM Authority: SL2003-352 §12(a), HB 897. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, or 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study issues related to the Leaking Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Program. Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE BRANCH LOBBYING Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly 26 LEGISLATIVE RETIREMENT SYSTEM TRANSFER OF SERVICE Authority: SL2003-284 §30.18(c), HB 397. Report by: State Treasurer, Retirement Division; and Board of Trustees of the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System Report to: General Assembly Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall study the feasibility and cost implications of applying the provisions of this section to present retirees of the Legislative Retirement System. Contact: Julie White – Public Information Officer (919) 508-1024 LICENSE PLATE ISSUES Authority: SL2003-424 §7, HB 855. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, or 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the following issues related to special registration plates: number of plates that have not received the minimum applications after three years and whether to repeal those plates; the plate background and alternative methods of identifying NC vehicles; and the fees and distribution of those fees. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. LIGHT POLLUTION Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly LOCAL SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FINANCING Authority: SL2004-161 §11.1, SB 1152. Report by: Local School Construction Financing Study Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Interim report to the 2005 General Assembly, no later than January 15, 2005, and a final report to the 2005 General Assembly 2006 Regular Session, no later than March 31, 2006. Scope: Shall examine the present system of local financing for school facilities and shall study alternative options for financing local school construction, renovation, repair, and maintenance. May study public-private partnerships for school construction and facility ownership, sale leaseback arrangements, private and commercial financing arrangements, design standards for school facilities that may facilitate alternative financing techniques, alternative local revenue sources for financing school facilities, the use of real estate investment trusts, State and local construction bond pools, and other financing issues deemed pertinent by the Commission. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. 27 LONG-TERM CARE REMEDIATION Authority: SL2004-161 §23.2, SB 1152. Report by: Study Commission on Aging Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the feasibility of implementing a remediation program for long-term care facilities similar to the Collaborative Remediation Project in Michigan. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. LOSS OF MANUFACTURING BUSINESSES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly MASSAGE THERAPY REGULATION Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly MEDICAID FUNDING Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(e), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly MEDICAID REFORM Authority: SL2003-284 §6.14A(a), HB 397; and SL2004-161 §52.1, SB 1152. Report by: Blue Ribbon Commission on Medicaid Reform Report to: General Assembly Report due: Interim report by April 1, 2004, Final report by February 1, 2005 Scope: The Commission shall examine the State’s Medicaid program and make comprehensive recommendations for fundamental reform. Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. MEDICAL ERRORS Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. MEDICAL MALPRACTICE Authority: Letter of 09-12-03; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a) Report by: House Blue Ribbon Task Force on Medical Malpractice Report to: General Assembly Report due: April 15, 2004 28 Scope: Shall conduct a study of medical malpractice and make comprehensive recommendations for fundamental reform. Contact: See Task Force listing in Part II of this volume. MEETING IRS REQUEST FOR A DEFINED RETIREMENT AGE Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES FINANCING Authority: SL2004-161 §18.1, SB 1152. Report by: Department of Health and Human Services Report to: Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division. Report due: No larer than July 1, 2005 Scope: Shall study the financing of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. MENTAL HEALTH IN PRISONS Authority: SL2004-161 §24.3, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the incidence of mental illness and substance abuse problems among inmates in the NC prison and juvenile justice systems. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. MENTALLY ILL LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS Authority: SL2004-161 §23.3, SB 1152. Report by: Study Commission on Aging Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study issues related to mentally. ill residents in long-term care facilities. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. MERCURY EMISSIONS MONITORING Authority: SL2002-4 §12, SB 1078. Report by: Division of Air Quality, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Report to: Environmental Management Commission, Environmental Review Commission Report due: Interim reports annually beginning September 1, 2003, and final report September 1, 2005 Scope: Shall study issues related to the monitoring of emissions of mercury and the development and implementation of standards and plans to implement programs to control emissions of mercury from coal-fired generating units. Shall evaluate available control technologies and 29 shall estimate the benefits and costs of alternative strategies to reduce emissions of mercury. Contact: Johanna Reese, Legislative Liaison (919) 715-4189 MILITARY AFFAIRS Authority: Letter of 11/12/2003; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, House Rule 26a, and Senate Rule 31 Report by: Joint Select Committee on Military Affairs Report to: General Assembly Report due: May report to the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, and shall report to the 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the State's relationship with the military Note: Senate Select Committee on Military Affairs created on March 11, 2003, merged with Joint Select Committee. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. MILITARY AFFAIRS (SENATE) Authority: Pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and Senate Rule-31 Report by: Senate Select Committee on Military Affairs Report to: General Assembly Report Due: Not specified Scope: Merged with Joint Select Committee on Military Affairs as of 11/12/2003. MOBILE MEDICAL OPERATING ROOM Authority: SL2003-284 §16.7, HB 397. Report by: Department of Correction Report to: House Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall study the use of the mobile operating room at Central Prison. Contact: Legislative Liaison (919) 716-3700 MOPED IDENTIFICATION TAG Authority: SL2003-397 §6, SB 61. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, or 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the need for a moped identification tag program, and make recommendations on identifying mopeds if it sees the need. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. MOTOR VEHICLE TOTAL LOSS CLAIMS DISCLOSURE CLARIFICATION Authority: SL2004-161 §17.6, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. 30 MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAWS Authority: Letter of 09-24-03; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6 Report by: House Select Committee on Motorcycle Helmet Laws Report to: General Assembly Report due: May 15, 2004 Scope: Shall review the laws of this State and other states relating to the use of motorcycle helmets; including current requirements for mandatory use, studies of effectiveness, effects on insurance premiums, safety training Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. NATUROPATHIC LICENSING Authority: Letter of September 28, 2004; pursuant to House Rule 26(a), and Senate Rule 31. Report by: Joint Select Study Committee on Naturopathic Licensing Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the feasibility of licensing naturopathic physicians. If Committee recommends licensing it shall recommend requirements for licensure and the establishment of a licensing board. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. NATUROPATHY Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(j), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly NEWBORN COVERAGE Authority: SL2004-161 §31.1, SB 1152. Report by: Committee on Employee Hospital and Medical Benefits Report to: General Assembly Report due: Not specified Scope: May study the following issues pertaining to benefits under the TSECMMP: whether to repeal or modify coverage limits for examination and supervision of normal newborn infants to only when the mother is receiving maternity benefits; whether to adopt a federally qualified health reimbursement arrangement; whether deductibles and co-payment amounts should be based on income of Plan member. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. NONDISCHARGE ANIMAL WASTE PERMITS Authority: SL2003-28 §2, SB 733. Report by: Department of Environment and Natural Resources Report to: Environmental Review Commission Report due: March 1, 2004 Scope: Shall study the use of general nondischarge permits for animal waste management systems for swine, cattle, and poultry operations to protect water quality, including the impact of the use of general permits on the land application and potential discharge of nitrogen and phosphorous to surface water and groundwater in the State. 31 Contact: Johanna Reese, Legislative Liaison (919) 715-4189 NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING WORKER SAFETY Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly NORTH CAROLINA MANUAL DISTRIBUTION AND SALE Authority: SL2003-284 §24.2, HB397. Report by: Secretary of State Report to: House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, and Fiscal Research Division Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall report on the distribution and sale of the North Carolina Manual, and shall study the feasibility of making the manual available via the Internet. Contact: Robert Wilson – Legislative Liaison (919) 807-2023 NOTARY LAWS REVISION Authority: SL2004-161 §6.2, SB 1152. Report by: Secretary of State Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the issue of amending the notary laws in order to modernize and simplify their administration. The study shall also address the issue of electronic notarization. Contact: Robert Wilson, Legislative Liaison (919) 807-2023 NURSING SHORTAGE Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARDS FUNDING/BUDGETING Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(l), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly OFFENDER FEES COLLECTION Authority: SL2003-284 §16.15, HB 397. Report by: Department of Correction, and Judicial Department 32 Report to: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall report on the success of their efforts to improve the collection rate of offender fees for probationers and for nonprobationers sentenced to community service and on any recommendations for statutory or procedural changes to improve collections. Contact: Legislative Liaison (919) 716-3700 OPTIONAL GRADUATED 25 YEAR RETIREMENT PLAN FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly OUTDOOR ADVERTISING AMORTIZATION ORDINANCES Authority: SL2003-432 §2, HB 754. Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session Scope: To study local government ordinances amortizing off premises outdoor advertising. Contact: See listing for Committee in Part II of this volume. OVARIAN CANCER RISKS AND PREVENTION EDUCATION Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. OVERREPRESENTATION OF MINORITY YOUTH IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTERS Authority: SL2004-161 §48.1, SB 1152. Report by: North Carolina Central University Report to: General Assembly, and Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Report due: January 15, 2005 Scope: In conjuction with NCCU's Department of Sociology, may study whether there is an overrepresentation of minority youth in NC youth development centers. PAIN MANAGEMENT AND PALLIATIVE CARE Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. 33 PAMLICO TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL Authority: SL2004-161 §43.1, SB 1152. Report by: Pamlico Technical High School Task Force Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report due: January 15, 2005 Scope: State Board of Community Colleges, State Board of Education, Pamlico Community College, and Pamlico County School may establish task force to develop a plan to expand students' education oportunities within the school system by creating a technical high school. Contact: Dr. Barry Russell State Board of Community Colleges (919) 733-7051 PAWNBROKERS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(d), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly PAY EQUITY FOR STATE/LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly PEAT-BASED WASTEWATER SYSTEMS Authority: SL2004-161 §8.1, SB 1152. Report by: Commission for Health Services Report to: Senate Appropriations Committee on Natural and Economic Resources, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural and Economic Resources, Fiscal Research Division, and Environmental Review Commission Report due: January 15, 2005 Scope: Shall evaluate the desirability and feasibility of developing and implementing a pilot program whereby any individual seeking to use an innovative wastewater system, under G.S. 130A-343(g), that employs peat-based technology, at the individual's residence shall be required to use a wastewater system that satisfies all of the following: 1) complies with Standard 40 of the NSF, 2) has a mandatory maintenance agreement developed by the manufacturer included in purchase contract. Contact Glenda Parker, Administrative Officer (919) 733-4534 PHYSICAL RESTRAINTS/SECLUSION IN SCHOOLS Authority: SL2004-161 §13.4, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the use of physical restraints and seclusion in public schools. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. 34 POSTRETIREMENT EARNINGS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS Authority: SL2004-161 §14.3, SB 1152. Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study private activity bonds. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. PROBATION/PAROLE OFFICER WORKLOADS Authority: SL2003-284 §16.18(b), HB 397. Report by: Department of Correction Report to: House Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall conduct a study of probation/parole officer workload at least biannually. The initial study shall be conducted jointly by Department staff and a consultant, and shall include analysis of the type of offenders supervised, the distribution of the officers’ time by type of activity, the caseload carried by the officers, and comparisons to practices in other states. The study shall determine whether the caseload goals established by the Structured Sentencing Act are still appropriate. Contact: Legislative Liaison (919) 716-3700 PROFITEERING FROM CRIME Authority: Letter of 01-21-2004, pursuant to G.S. 120-19-6(a), and House Rule 26(a) Report by: House Select Committee on Preventing Unjust Profiteering from Crime Report to: General Assembly Report due: On or before the convening of the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session Scope: Shall study the laws of this State and other states to determine what can be done to preventcriminal offenders and other from profiteering from crimes and may study other related issues. May consider court cases concerning "Son of Sam" laws to ensure any proposed legislation can withstand constitutional challenge. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. PROMOTE GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY AND SAVINGS IN STATE SPENDING Authority: SL2004-161 §16.1, SB 1152. Report by: Department of Administration Report to: Legislative Research Commission Report due: January 15, 2005 35 Scope: UNC, AOC, Department of Administration, Legislative Services Office, Community College System, and Department of Public Instruction shall jointly study various ways to promote government efficiency and savings on State spending, including: consolidate administrative functions, establish Statewide Benefit Committee, DMV-NCDL registration extensions, combine safety programs, increase use of public defenders, Controller's fees, and deferred retirement option program. Contact: George Millsaps, Liaison for Productivity and Legislative Affairs (919) 807-2340 PROMOTING PATIENT SAFETY Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly PROTECTING PROPERTY OWNERS ADJACENT TO ACTIVITIES FOR WHICH A STORMWATER PERMIT IS ISSUED Authority: SL2004-161 §19.9, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study ways to protect a property owner whose land is adjacent to or downstream from a site on which alterations of the existing flow of stormwater will occur. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. PUBLIC DEFENDERS Authority: SL2003-284 §13.6, HB 397. Report by: Office of Indigent Defense Services Report to: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety Report due: March 1, 2004 Scope: Shall study the establishment of additional public defender districts, identifying the areas of the State in which savings could be realized by the establishment of such districts and the projected savings in each area. Contact: Malcolm R. Hunter – Executive Director (919) 560-3380 REDISTRICTING Authority: Letter of 11-19-2003; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and Senate Rule 31 Report by: Senate Select Committee on Redistricting Report to: General Assembly Report due: Not specified Scope: Committee ends on appointment of standing Senate Redistricting Committee Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. REDUCE UTILITY EQUIPMENT SALES TAX Authority: SL2004-161 §14.12, SB 1152. 36 Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether light construction equipment should be given preferential sales and use tax treatment. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. REDUCING PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. REEMPLOYMENT OF RETIREES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly REGIONAL WATER SUPPLIES Authority: SL2004-161 §19.5, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the issue of the development and funding of regional water supply systems. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. REGISTRATION OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES Authority: SL2004-161 §17.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether all-terrain vehicles should be registered and regulated. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. REGULATING TICKET BROKERS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly RENEWABLE AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY Authority: SL2004-161 §9.1, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Utility Review Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Not specified 37 Scope: May study the economic, environmental, and social issues associated with the development and use of renewable and alternative energy in the State. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. RESIDENTAL AND URBAN ENCROACHMENT ON MILITARY BASES AND TRAINING AREAS Authority: SL2004-161 §4.1, SB 1152. Report by: Study Commission on Residential and Urban Encroachment on Military Bases and Training Areas Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study residential and urban encroachment on military bases and training areas including: restricting zoning, affect on deed registration, protecting areas around bases and training areas by purchasing development rights and buffers, and other issues considered relevant. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE Authority: SL2004-161 §10.1, SB 1152. Report by: Building Code Council Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the Residential Building Code to determine which provisions, if any, are unnecessary, outdated, overly stringent, or otherwise unduly increase the cost of housing. Contact: Jackie B. Grizzel, Secretary (919) 661-5880 RESTITUTION Authority: Letter of September 14, 2004; pursuant to House Rule 26(a). Report by: House Select Committee on Restitution Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the processes for the collection and payment of restitution, and shall determine the methods for reducing the numbers of restitution payments that go unclaimed. The Committee shall incorporate the work to be conducted under SL2004-161 sec. 26.1 into its study and produce one report that contains the recommendations of the Committee, the AOC, and the Dept. of Correction. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. RESTRUCTURE PRIOR CRIMINAL RECORD POINTS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly RETAINAGE FROM PAYMENT ON PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS Authority: SL2004-161 §21.1, SB 1152. Report by: Department of Administration Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assem
Object Description
Description
Title | Legislative commissions and non-standing committees and interim studies |
Other Title | Legislative commissions, non-standing committees, interim studies |
Date | 2005-02 |
Description | 2003/2004 |
Digital Characteristics-A | 666 KB; 244 p. |
Digital Format | application/pdf |
Full Text | 2003-2004 LEGISLATIVE COMMISSIONS NON-STANDING COMMITTEES INTERIM STUDIES RESEARCH DIVISION LEGISLATIVE SERVICES OFFICE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY 545 LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING 300 N. SALISBURY STREET RALEIGH, NC 27603-5925 February 4, 2005 February 4, 2005 MEMORANDUM TO: Members of the General Assembly FROM: Terrence D. Sullivan, Director of Research RE: Legislative Commissions, Non-Standing Committees, Interim Studies This document contains lists of all permanent legislative commissions and non-standing committees and all studies authorized or directed to be undertaken by all the sessions of the 2003 General Assembly. The listing includes not only studies undertaken by legislative bodies, but also those directed to be undertaken by other agencies of State government. Permanent commissions, committees, and other bodies of the executive and judicial branches are not included in this publication. For memberships of and information on other existing permanent executive and judicial agencies, please contact Ms. Cathy Martin, our Legislative Librarian, at 919.733.9390 or Ms. Sondra Davis, the Governor's Director of Boards and Commissions, at 919.715.0966. Mr. Brian Peck of the Legislative Library, working with other legislative staff and executive branch employees, compiled and edited this publication. The explanation of the publication's format is on the following page. We hope that the publication will aid you and your constituents in rapidly getting accurate information on matters of government policy. Your comments on and suggestions for improvement as to this publication, as well as other Research Division efforts, are solicited and always appreciated. Publications – Leg Comms, Non-Std Comms, Intrm Studs, transmittal ltr '05 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 2001 General Assembly, or that are due during this biennium. Entries are arranged by subject 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 who it is to be made. A contact name is provided for agencies and statutory commissions when available. Legislative committee or commission contact information can be found in Part II under the listing for that committee. Part II, printed on green paper, is ‘Study Commissions, Committees and Task Forces’. This is an alphabetical listing by title of each commission, committee or task force directed or authorized to conduct the study listed in the first (yellow) part of this publication. Each entry includes the establishing legal authority; reporting requirements when applicable; scope of duties; additional studies assigned or referred; and, for legislative commissions and committees, the membership appointed to date along with their names, addresses and telephone numbers, and committee staff and their telephone numbers. A comprehensive index is provided for additional access points. NOTE: Please be aware that, when possible, the 'Scope' of a study given is the complete text from the bill or document creating the study, however, for studies having a long or detailed description this 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 ABANDONED JUNK VEHICLES .......................................................................................... 1 ACTIVITY BUS SAFETY RULES.......................................................................................... 1 ADJUST PENALTIES FOR B1 TO E OFFENSES ................................................................. 1 ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT ADVOCACY PROGRAMS ...................................... 1 AGRIBUSINESS AND AGRICULTURE TEACHING FELLOWS....................................... 1 AGRICULTURE COMMODITY INCENTIVES .................................................................... 1 ALCOHOL AND DRUG EDUCATION TRAFFIC (ADET) SCHOOLS............................... 2 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (HOUSE)................................................................. 2 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL.................................................................................. 2 ALTERNATIVE-FUEL/LOW EMISSION SCHOOL BUS PURCHASES ............................ 2 ALTERNATIVE FUELS .......................................................................................................... 2 APPROPRIATE EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS ON LONG-TERM SUSPENSION................................................................................................................ 3 ARSON OFFENSES................................................................................................................. 4 ATTORNEY SOLICITATION REGULATION ...................................................................... 4 ATTRACTING TEACHERS TO BECOME COACHES......................................................... 4 AVAILABILITY/DELIVERY OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES TO HISPANICS.................................................................................................................... 4 BANKING LAWS .................................................................................................................... 4 BENEFITS FOR STATE EMPLOYEE DEPENDENTS ......................................................... 4 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS SIZE AND SCOPE............................................................ 4 BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS...................................................................... 4 BUDGET PRACTICES ............................................................................................................ 4 BUDGET PROCESS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES...................................... 4 BULK PURCHASING OF PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS ................................................... 5 BUSINESS TAXATION........................................................................................................... CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS STANDARDS AND PLANS IMPLEMENTATION..................................................................................................... 5 CARE AND SAFETY OF RESIDENTS OF RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES................................................................................................................... 5 CASINO NIGHTS FOR NONPROFITS .................................................................................. 5 CHAPTER 20 (MOTOR VEHICLE ACT) CONSOLIDATION ............................................. 5 CHARITABLE BINGO/BEACH BINGO................................................................................ 6 CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, FOSTER CARE, AND ADOPTION................................ 6 CLEAN AIR TRUST FUND .................................................................................................... 6 CLOSE ACHIEVEMENT GAP................................................................................................ 6 COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OF RESTITUTION ........................................................... 6 COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND EMERGENCY SITUATIONS....................................................................................... 7 COMPANION ANIMALS........................................................................................................ 7 COMPANION ANIMALS (HOUSE)....................................................................................... 7 COMPARATIVE TAX BURDEN............................................................................................ 7 COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN HIGH-LEVEL OFFICERS ............................................ 7 COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLANNING.................................................................................................................... 8 COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION ISSUES............................................................... 8 COMPUTER-BASED MATH AND LITERACY PROGRAMS............................................. 8 CONFINEMENT OF INCAPACITATED INMATES............................................................. 8 CONFORM BANK EXPENSE DEDUCTION ........................................................................ 8 CONSOLIDATED CORPORATE INCOME TAX RETURNS............................................... 9 CONSOLIDATION OF STATE HEALTH CARE SERVICES............................................... 9 ii CRAVEN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL ............................................................................... 9 CREDIT FOR HIRING APPRENTICES.................................................................................. 9 CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS FEE ADJUSTMENT........................................................ 10 CURRITUCK TO OUTER BANKS FERRY........................................................................... 10 DAIRY INDUSTRY ................................................................................................................. 10 DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ........................................................................................ 10 DETER JUVENILE ESCAPES ................................................................................................ 10 DETERRENTS TO STORMWATER RUNOFF...................................................................... 11 DISPUTE SETTLEMENT CENTERS ..................................................................................... 11 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.......................................................................................................... 11 DOROTHEA DIX HOSPITAL PROPERTY ........................................................................... 11 DOROTHEA DIX PROPERTY................................................................................................ 11 DREDGE.................................................................................................................................. 12 DRIVER EDUCATION PRIVATIZATION ............................................................................ 12 DUPLICATION OF SMART START SERVICES.................................................................. 12 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE ........................................................... 12 ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT................................................................... 12 EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS ON LONG TERM SUSPENSION...................................... 13 EFFECTIVENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS.................................................... 13 ELECTRONIC MONITORING................................................................................................ 13 ELECTRONIC NOTARIZATION ........................................................................................... 13 ELECTRONIC RECORDATION............................................................................................. 14 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES IN RURAL COUNTIES........................................... 14 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS........................................................................................... 14 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND STATEWIDE COMMUNICATIONS.................... 14 EMPLOYEE HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL BENEFITS ......................................................... 14 ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES OF CANCER......................................................................... 15 EQUITY-BUILDING HOME OWNERSHIP........................................................................... 15 E-TEXTBOOKS FOR STUDENTS ......................................................................................... 15 EUGENIC STERILIZATION COMPENSATION................................................................... 15 EVALUATE WATER QUALITY AND ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION IN SWIFT CREEK .............................................................................. 15 EXPANDING RAIL SERVICE................................................................................................ 15 FAIR BARGAIN ACT.............................................................................................................. 16 FEDERAL STRUCTURED SENTENCING SYSTEM ........................................................... 16 FILM INDUSTRY FEASIBILITY ........................................................................................... 16 FILM INDUSTRY INCENTIVES............................................................................................ 16 FINANCIAL BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE...................................................................... 16 FIRE SAFETY IN LOCAL CONFINEMENT FACILITIES................................................... 17 FLOODPLAIN MAPPING INFORMATION SHARING PLAN............................................ 17 FOOD SAFETY AND SECURITY.......................................................................................... 17 FORGIVENESS OF STUDENT DEBT PROGRAM............................................................... 17 FORT FISHER VEHICLE ACCESS........................................................................................ 17 FUTURE OF ELECTRIC SERVICES...................................................................................... 18 FUTURE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD........................................................... 18 GIVING NOTICE OF RIGHTS TO CONTEST MECHANIC'S LIEN STORAGE CHARGE OF VEHICLES SEIZED UNDER DWI FORFEITURE LAWS.................................................................................................... 18 GLOBAL TRANSPARK DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BOARD STRUCTURE................................................................................................................. 18 GUARDIANSHIP LAWS......................................................................................................... 19 HABITUAL FELON LAW AMENDMENT............................................................................ 19 HANDHELD CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING ........................................................... 19 HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT............................................................... 19 HEALTH INSURANCE ........................................................................................................... 19 iii HEALTH INSURANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES/TRADE ASSOCIATIONS ........................................................................................................... 20 HEALTH INSURANCE FOR UNINSURABLE INDIVIDUALS .......................................... 20 HEALTH INSURANCE MANDATES.................................................................................... 20 HIGH-RISK HEALTH INSURANCE POOLS ........................................................................ 20 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE INCENTIVES......................................................... 20 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN COLLEGE LEVEL COURSES.......................................... 20 HIGHWAY TRUST FUND...................................................................................................... 20 HIGHWAY USE TAX BASED ON EFFICIENCY/VEHICLE REGISTRATION BASED ON VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED ................................. 21 HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY ........................ 21 HORACE WILLIAMS AIRPORT............................................................................................ 21 HURRICANE EVACUATION STANDARDS STUDY COMMISSION............................... 21 HURRICANE RELIEF ............................................................................................................. 21 I-95 TOLLS.............................................................................................................................. 22 IMMIGRATION...................................................................................................................... 22 IMPACT OF ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR CONSERVATION ON LOCAL TAX REVENUES .......................................................................................................... 22 INCOME TAX DERIVED FROM MANUFACTURING ....................................................... 22 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BUDGET STRUCTURE REVIEW................................. 22 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LEGACY SYSTEMS....................................................... 23 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OPERATION CENTRALIZATION FOR DHHS ............................................................................................................................. 23 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY ASSESSMENT............................................ 23 INSURANCE AND CIVIL JUSTICE REFORM..................................................................... 23 INTEGRATION OF CARE FOR CHILDREN WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEM SERVICE NEEDS.......................................................................................................... 24 INTERNET SALE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ................................................................... 24 JOB SHARING ......................................................................................................................... 24 JUDICIAL APPROVAL FOR PLEAS IN CERTAIN CASES ................................................ 24 KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS............................................................. 24 LABOR AUDIT SYSTEMS/INCENTIVES............................................................................. 25 LANDSCAPE/IRRIGATION CONTRACTORS..................................................................... 25 LAPTOPS IN THE SENATE CHAMBER............................................................................... 25 LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER RECLASSIFICATION.................................................... 25 LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK PROGRAM ............................................. 25 LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE BRANCH LOBBYING ................................................. 26 LEGISLATIVE RETIREMENT SYSTEM TRANSFER OF SERVICE ................................. 26 LICENSE PLATE ISSUES....................................................................................................... 26 LIGHT POLLUTION................................................................................................................ 26 LOCAL SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FINANCING.............................................................. 26 LONG-TERM CARE REMEDIATION ................................................................................... 26 LOSS OF MANUFACTURING BUSINESSES....................................................................... 27 MASSAGE THERAPY REGULATION.................................................................................. 27 MEDICAID FUNDING............................................................................................................ 27 MEDICAID REFORM.............................................................................................................. 27 MEDICAL ERRORS ................................................................................................................ 27 MEDICAL MALPRACTICE.................................................................................................... 27 MEETING IRS REQUEST FOR A DEFINED RETIREMENT AGE..................................... 28 MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES FINANCING ........................................................ 28 MENTAL HEALTH IN PRISONS........................................................................................... 28 MENTALLY ILL LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS ........................................................... 28 MERCURY EMISSIONS MONITORING............................................................................... 28 MILITARY AFFAIRS .............................................................................................................. 29 iv MILITARY AFFAIRS (SENATE) ........................................................................................... 29 MOBILE MEDICAL OPERATING ROOM............................................................................ 29 MOPED IDENTIFICATION TAG........................................................................................... 29 MOTOR VEHICLE TOTAL LOSS CLAIMS DISCLOSURE CLARIFICATION.......................................................................................................... 29 MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAWS .......................................................................................... 29 NATUROPATHIC LICENSING.............................................................................................. 30 NATUROPATHY.................................................................................................................... 30 NEWBORN COVERAGE........................................................................................................ 30 NONDISCHARGE ANIMAL WASTE PERMITS.................................................................. 30 NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING WORKER SAFETY................................................................. 31 NORTH CAROLINA MANUAL DISTRIBUTION AND SALE............................................ 31 NOTARY LAWS REVISION .................................................................................................. 31 NURSING SHORTAGE........................................................................................................... 31 OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARDS FUNDING/BUDGETING.................................. 31 OFFENDER FEES COLLECTION .......................................................................................... 31 OPTIONAL GRADUATED 25 YEAR RETIREMENT PLAN FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.......................................................................................................... 32 OUTDOOR ADVERTISING AMORTIZATION ORDINANCES ......................................... 32 OVARIAN CANCER RISKS AND PREVENTION EDUCATION ....................................... 32 OVERREPRESENTATION OF MINORITY YOUTH IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTERS ........................................................................................ 32 PAIN MANAGEMENT AND PALLIATIVE CARE .............................................................. 32 PAMLICO TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL.............................................................................. 32 PAWNBROKERS.................................................................................................................... 33 PAY EQUITY FOR STATE/LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ................................. 33 PEAT-BASED WASTEWATER SYSTEMS........................................................................... 33 PHYSICAL RESTRAINTS/SECLUSION IN SCHOOLS....................................................... 33 POSTRETIREMENT EARNINGS........................................................................................... 34 PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS................................................................................................ 34 PROBATION/PAROLE OFFICER WORKLOADS................................................................ 34 PROFITEERING FROM CRIME............................................................................................. 34 PROMOTE GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY AND SAVINGS IN STATE SPENDING..................................................................................................................... 34 PROMOTING PATIENT SAFETY.......................................................................................... 35 PROTECTING PROPERTY OWNERS ADJACENT TO ACTIVITIES FOR WHICH A STORMWATER PERMIT IS ISSUED....................................................... 35 PUBLIC DEFENDERS............................................................................................................. 35 REDISTRICTING.................................................................................................................... 35 REDUCE UTILITY EQUIPMENT SALES TAX.................................................................... 35 REDUCING PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS........................................................................ 36 REEMPLOYMENT OF RETIREES......................................................................................... 36 REGIONAL WATER SUPPLIES ............................................................................................ 36 REGISTRATION OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES ................................................................ 36 REGULATING TICKET BROKERS....................................................................................... 36 RENEWABLE AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY................................................................... 36 RESIDENTAL AND URBAN ENCROACHMENT ON MILITARY BASES AND TRAINING AREAS ............................................................................................. 37 RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE......................................................................................... 37 RESTITUTION........................................................................................................................ 37 RESTRUCTURE PRIOR CRIMINAL RECORD POINTS ..................................................... 37 RETAINAGE FROM PAYMENT ON PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ................................................................................................................................... 37 RISING COST OF HEALTH CARE........................................................................................ 38 RURAL SCHOOLS .................................................................................................................. 38 v SALE AND LEASE-BACK OF STATE-OWNED PROPERTY............................................. 38 SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTION ................................................................................... 38 SCHOOL CALENDAR BEGIN CLASS/WORKDAYS.......................................................... 38 SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION ................................................................................................... 38 SCHOOL COUNSELOR JOB DESCRIPTION UPDATE ...................................................... 39 SCHOOL NURSE SERVICES ................................................................................................. 39 SENTENCE LENGTHS ........................................................................................................... 39 SENTENCING GUIDELINES ................................................................................................. 39 SHRIMPING WITH TRAWL NETS ....................................................................................... 39 SINGLE ADMINISTRATOR FOR STATE 401(k) AND 457 PLANS................................... 40 SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT............................................................. 40 SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH INSURANCE CREDIT.......................................................... 40 SMART START FUNDING..................................................................................................... 40 SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION ISSUES................................................................... 40 STATE COST OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.......................................................................... 40 STATE DISABILITY INCOME PLAN ................................................................................... 41 STATE DISABILITY INCOME PLAN, STATE HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN, SEPARATE INSURANCE BENEFITS PLAN FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ....................................................................................... 41 STATE ENERGY OFFICE....................................................................................................... 41 STATE FIRE PROTECTION ................................................................................................... 41 STATE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT............................................................................. 41 STATE-LOCAL RELATIONSHIPS ........................................................................................ 41 STATE PERSONNEL STATUTES.......................................................................................... 42 STATE PORTS ......................................................................................................................... 42 STATEWIDE BENEFITS COMMITTEE................................................................................ 42 STATUTORY RAPE RECLASSIFICATION.......................................................................... 42 STORMWATER ISSUES......................................................................................................... 42 STREAM MAPPING................................................................................................................ 43 STREET GANG TERRORISM PREVENTION ...................................................................... 43 STREET GANG VIOLENCE................................................................................................... 43 STRUCTURED SENTENCING ACT...................................................................................... 43 STUDENT POPULATION GROWTH .................................................................................... 43 SUBSIDIARY DIVIDEND TAXES......................................................................................... 44 SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES ASSESSING AGENCIES............................................... 44 TAX FORECLOSURES ........................................................................................................... 44 TAX INCENTIVES TO PROMOTE PRESERVATION OF OPEN SPACES........................ 44 TAX PREFERENCES............................................................................................................... 44 TAX PREFERENCES TO SUPPORT MILITARY ................................................................. 45 TEACHER ASSISTANT SALARY SCHEDULE ................................................................... 45 TEACHER CERTIFICATION.................................................................................................. 45 TEACHER RETENTION ......................................................................................................... 45 TESTING REFORM................................................................................................................. 45 TIMESHARE SELLER REGULATION.................................................................................. 46 TOTAL TEACHER PROGRAM.............................................................................................. 46 TOWING LAWS, SALVAGE LAWS, AND LIENHOLDER NOTIFICATION WHEN VEHICLES ARE ABANDONED OR SEIZED................................................ 46 TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS................................................................................................ 46 TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DELIVERY PROCESS ...................................................... 46 TRAVEL AND TOURISM CAPITAL INVESTMENT .......................................................... 46 TUITION WAIVERS................................................................................................................ 47 21ST CENTURY REVENUE SYSTEM.................................................................................... 47 UNC BOARD OF GOVERNORS............................................................................................ 47 UNC BOARD OF GOVERNORS............................................................................................ 47 UNIFORM UNINCORPORATED NONPROFIT ASSOCIATION ACT ............................... 47 vi UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS AND PLACEMENT MEASURES......................................... 48 URBAN CORES ....................................................................................................................... 48 URBAN TRANSPORTATION NEEDS................................................................................... 48 VALUATION OF LOTS IN SUBDIVISIONS......................................................................... 48 VIRGINIA-NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SPEED RAIL.......................................................... 49 VOCATS.................................................................................................................................. 49 VOTER PAPER TRAIL............................................................................................................ 49 VOTER PAPER TRAIL............................................................................................................ 49 WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES EVALUATION.................................................... 49 WATER RESTRICTION GUIDELINES ................................................................................. 50 WILMINGTON RACE RIOT................................................................................................... 50 WORKER RETRAINING ........................................................................................................ 50 WORKERS' COMPENSATION PREMIUMS REDUCTION................................................. 50 WORKERS' COMPENSATION/AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT.................................. 50 WORKERS' COMPENSATION/TRUCKING COMPANIES................................................. 51 WORKFORCE NEEDS............................................................................................................ 51 YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS...................................................................................................... 51 PART II : STUDY COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES & TASK FORCES .................................... 53 ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE............................................................................................................... 53 ADMINISTRATIVE RULES REVIEW COMMISSION ........................................................ 54 ADVISORY BUDGET COMMISSION................................................................................... 54 AGING, STUDY COMMISSION ON...................................................................................... 55 AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY AWARENESS STUDY COMMISSION............................................................................................................... 57 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL ISSUES, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON.......................................................................................................... 58 BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS, STUDY COMMISSION ON STATE........................................................................................................................... 59 CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, FOSTER CARE, AND ADOPTION, HOUSE INTERIM COMMITTEE ON.......................................................................... 60 CHILDREN AND YOUTH, LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON........................... 63 COMPANION ANIMALS, LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON............................. 65 COMPANION ANIMALS AND THE INTERVENTION OF ANIMAL CRUELTY, HOUSE INTERIM COMMITTEE ON THE PREVENTION AND DISPOSITION OF UNWANTED AND ABANDONED.................................... 66 CORRECTIONS, CRIME CONTROL AND JUVENILE JUSTICE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE ................................................. 67 COURTS COMMISSION......................................................................................................... 69 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ........................................... 71 DOROTHEA DIX HOSPITAL PROPERTY STUDY COMMISSION................................... 72 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE, STUDY COMMISSION ON........................................................................................................ 73 ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON.......................................................................................................... 76 EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS ON LONG TERM SUSPENSION, HOUSE INTERIM COMMITTEE ON PROVIDING AN APPROPRIATE............................... 77 EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE.................................... 79 ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON........................... 81 ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS STUDY COMMISSION .............................................. 82 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND STATEWIDE COMMUNICATIONS, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON .............................................................................. 83 EMPLOYEE HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL BENEFITS, COMMITTEE ON......................... 84 EMPLOYEE HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL BENEFITS, SENATE vii SELECT COMMITTEE ON .......................................................................................... 85 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ........................................................ 86 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMISSION...................................................................... 86 ETHICS COMMITTEE, LEGISLATIVE................................................................................. 88 EXECUTIVE BUDGET ACT REVISIONS, JOINT COMMITTEE ON ................................ 89 EXPANDING RAIL SERVICE, HOUSE INTERIM COMMITTEE ON................................ 90 FUTURE OF ELECTRIC SERVICE IN NORTH CAROLINA, STUDY COMMISSION ON THE ............................................................................................... 92 FUTURE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD STUDY COMMISSION....................................................................................................................................... 94 FUTURE STRATEGIES, JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON.................................. 96 GENERAL STATUTES COMMISSION................................................................................. 97 GLOBAL TRANSPARK AUTHORITY.................................................................................. 98 GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON........................................................................................................ 98 GROWTH STRATEGIES OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE............................................................................................................... 101 GUARDIANSHIP LAWS, LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON STATE........................................................................................................................... 102 HEALTH CARE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE¸ JOINT LEGISLATIVE ............................... 104 HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, STUDY COMMISSION ON ................................................................................................................................. 105 HEALTH INSURANCE INNOVATIONS COMMISSION .................................................... 107 HIGHWAY TRUST FUND STUDY COMMITTEE............................................................... 108 HISTORIC REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE............................... 109 HORACE WILLIAMS AIRPORT, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE....................... 109 HURRICANE EVACUATION STANDARDS STUDY COMMISSION............................... 110 HURRICANE RELIEF, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON ................................................. 111 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON.......................................................................................................... 112 INSURANCE AND CIVIL JUSTICE REFORM, SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON.......................................................................................................... 114 LAPTOPS IN SENATE CHAMBER, SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ....................... 115 LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION ......................................................................... 116 LEGISLATIVE SERVICES COMMISSION........................................................................... 119 LOCAL SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FINANCING STUDY COMMISSION ..................... 120 LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON..................... 121 MEDICAID REFORM, BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ON ................................................ 122 MEDICAL MALPRACTICE, HOUSE BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE ON ......................... 123 MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES, JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON .................................................................................. 125 MILITARY AFFAIRS, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON .................................................. 127 MILITARY AFFAIRS, SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON.............................................. 129 MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAWS, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON............................ 129 MUNICIPAL INCORPORATIONS, JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON ................................................................................................................................. 129 NATUROPATHIC LICENSING, JOINT SELECT STUDY COMMITTEE ON.................... 130 NEW LICENSING BOARDS, LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON........................................ 131 PROFITEERING FROM CRIME, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON PREVENTING UNJUST ............................................................................................... 132 PROPERTY TAX SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE REVENUE LAWS STUDY COMMITTEE................................................................................................................. 133 PUBLIC HEALTH STUDY COMMISSION ........................................................................... 133 REDISTRICTING, SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON..................................................... 135 viii RESIDENTAL AND URBAN ENCROACHMENT ON MILITARY BASES AND TRAINING AREAS, STUDY COMMISSION ON............................................. 137 RESTITUTION, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON........................................................... 138 REVENUE LAWS STUDY COMMITTEE ............................................................................. 139 RISING COST OF HEALTH CARE, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE ............................................................................................................................... 140 SEAFOOD AND AQUACULTURE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON ................................................................................................................................. 142 SENIOR TAR HEEL LEGISLATURE .................................................................................... 143 SENTENCING AND POLICY ADVISORY COMMISSION................................................. 149 SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON.......................................................................................................... 150 SMART START FUNDING STUDY COMMISSION............................................................ 152 STATE DISABILITY INCOME PLAN STUDY COMMISSION .......................................... 153 STATE DISABILITY INCOME PLAN, THE STATE DEATH BENEFIT PLAN, AND THE SEPARATE INSURANCE BENEFITS PLAN FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, STUDY COMMISSION ON THE.................... 154 STATE PERSONNEL STATUTES, LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON ................................................................................................................................. 155 STATEWIDE BENEFITS COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE A MENU OF PORTABLE SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS FOR ALL STATE EMPLOYEES, STUDY COMMISSION ON ESTABLISHMENT OF A..................... 157 STATEWIDE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS STUDY COMMISSION........................... 157 STREET GANG VIOLENCE PREVENTION, HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON.......................................................................................................... 158 TRANSPORTATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE ....................... 159 21ST CENTURY REVENUE SYSTEM, LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON A .................................................................................................... 161 UNC BOARD OF GOVERNORS, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE ....................... 162 UNC BOARD OF GOVERNORS STUDY COMMISSION ................................................... 164 URBAN TRANSPORTATION NEEDS, BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION TO STUDY SOLUTIONS TO NORTH CAROLINA’S...................................................... 165 UTILITY REVIEW COMMITTEE, JOINT LEGISLATIVE .................................................. 167 VIRGINIA-NORTH CAROLINA INTERSTATE HIGH-SPEED RAIL COMMISSION............................................................................................................... 168 WILMINGTON RACE RIOT COMMISSION, 1898 .............................................................. 169 WORKER RETRAINING, STUDY COMMISSION ON........................................................ 169 WORKFORCE NEEDS, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON ................................................ 171 2003 ENACTED AND PROPOSED STUDIES .................................................................................. 175 2004 GENERAL ASSEMBLY STUDIES AND REPORTS .............................................................. 185 INDEX ................................................................................................................................................... 217 ix x 1 PART I : STUDIES & REPORTS BY SUBJECT ABANDONED JUNK VEHICLES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(n), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly ACTIVITY BUS SAFETY RULES Authority: SL2003-284 §7.25(c), HB 397. Report by: State Board of Education Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report due: March 15, 2004 Scope: Shall study the adequacy of the safety rules and policies adopted by local boards of education regarding the use of activity buses. Contact: Board Office (919) 807-3304 ADJUST PENALTIES FOR B1 TO E OFFENSES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT ADVOCACY PROGRAMS Authority: SL2003-284 §18.2, HB 397. Report by: Department of Administration Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, House Appropriations Committee, and Senate Appropriations Committee. Report due: May 1, 2004 Scope: Shall study the functions of the advocacy programs that are housed in the Department of Administration to determine the appropriate organizational placement of the programs within State government. The study shall also consider whether the functions of the programs could be more efficiently and effectively performed by an appropriate nonprofit organization. Contact: George Millsaps, Liaison for Productivity and Legislative Affairs (919) 807-2340 AGRIBUSINESS AND AGRICULTURE TEACHING FELLOWS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly AGRICULTURE COMMODITY INCENTIVES Authority: SL2004-161 §30.2, SB 1152. Report by: Agriculture and Forestry Awareness Study Commission Report to: General Assembly 2 Report due: Upon convening of the 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the possibility of establishing incentive programs to bebefit firms purchasing additional large quantities of NC farm commodity products when an overabundance of a specific commodity is designated by the State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to be available for sale. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. ALCOHOL AND DRUG EDUCATION TRAFFIC (ADET) SCHOOLS Authority: SL2004-197 §4, HB 1356. Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the certification requirements for persons conducting alcohol and drug education traffic schools, and the adequacy of the fee paid to the treatment facility or school by a client for receiving treatment or education. Expansion of 'Substance abuse services assessing agencies' study under SL2003-396 §2. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (HOUSE) Authority: Letter of 11/3/2003; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6(a), and House Rule 26(a) Report by: House Select Committee on Alcoholic Beverage Control Issues Report to: General Assembly Report due: May report to the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, and shall report to the 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study all aspects of alcoholic beverage control in the State Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly ALTERNATIVE-FUEL/LOW EMISSION SCHOOL BUS PURCHASES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly ALTERNATIVE FUELS Authority: SL2004-161 §17.3, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the use, availability, benefits, and disadvantages of alternative fuels. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. 3 APPROPRIATE EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS ON LONG-TERM SUSPENSION Authority: SL2004-161 §13.16, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether to and to what extent NC should mandate certain actions/policies for students on long-term suspension. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. ARSON OFFENSES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly ATTORNEY SOLICITATION REGULATION Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly ATTRACTING TEACHERS TO BECOME COACHES Authority: SL2004-161 §13.9, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the need to attract teachers into assuming additional duties of coaching interscholastic athletic teams in middle and high schools. Shall consider the feasibility of establishing a coaching fellowship program to attract students preparing to enter teaching through higher education coursework into coaching. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. AVAILABILITY/DELIVERY OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES TO HISPANICS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(g), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly BANKING LAWS Authority: SL2004-171 §17, SB 676 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly BENEFITS FOR STATE EMPLOYEE DEPENDENTS Authority: SL2004-161 §15.2, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee 4 Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study alternative benefit plans for dependents of State employees. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS SIZE AND SCOPE Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(a), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS Authority: SL2004-161 §50.1, SB 1152. Report by: Study Commission on State Boards, Commissions, and Councils Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall examine the organization, powers, duties, functions, and funding of State boards, commissions, and councils. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. BUDGET PRACTICES Authority: SL2003-284 §6.2A(a), HB 397. Report by: Office of State Budget and Management Report to: House Appropriations Committee, and Senate Appropriations Committee. Report due: Not specified Scope: In consultation with the State Controller, shall conduct a review and evaluation of current practices relative to: nonreverting funds and accounts; designation of “off budget” funds; sources of authority for expenditures from special funds, trust funds, internal service funds, and enterprise funds; classification and management of said funds; appropriate budget planning within these funds; and administration of G.S. 143-27. Where the review/evaluation reveals problems or failures the Office shall report its findings and recommendations. Contact: Charles Perusse – Deputy State Budget Director (919) 733-7061 BUDGET PROCESS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Authority: SL2003-284 §6.12(b), HB 397; and SL2004-161 §47.1, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Committee on Executive Budget Act Revisions Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall consider contemporary financial management practices in reviewing the current budget process. Shall recommend any changes to the Executive Budget Act that are needed to modernize and improve the process of budget preparation, budget adoption, budget execution, and program evaluation. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. 5 BULK PURCHASING OF PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. BUSINESS TAXATION Authority: SL2004-161 §14.13, SB 1152. Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study comprehensive reform and simplification of the existing State taxes on business entities, including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, business trusts, associations, and other entities engaged in business. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS STANDARDS AND PLANS IMPLEMENTATION Authority: SL2002-4 §13, SB 1078. Report by: Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Air Quality Report to: Environmental Management Commission and Environmental Review Commission Report due: Interim findings by September 1, 2003 and final findings and recommendations no later than September 1, 2005. Scope: Shall study issues related to the development and implementation of standards and plans to implement programs to control emissions of carbon dioxide from coal-fired generating units and other stationary sources of air pollution. Contact: Johanna Reese, Legislative Liaison (919) 715-4189 CARE AND SAFETY OF RESIDENTS OF RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly CASINO NIGHTS FOR NONPROFITS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly CHAPTER 20 (MOTOR VEHICLE ACT) CONSOLIDATION Authority: SL2001-491 §26.1, SB 166. Report by: General Statutes Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2003 General Assembly and 2005 General Assembly 6 Scope: May study renumbering, rearranging, and consolidating the provisions of Chapter 20 of the General Statutes. Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. CHARITABLE BINGO/BEACH BINGO Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, FOSTER CARE, AND ADOPTION Authority: Letter of 09-19-03; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6 Report by: House Interim Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, Foster Care, and Adoption Report to: General Assembly Report due: April 15, 2004. Scope: In undertaking the study of child abuse and neglect, the Committee shall determine how children might be better protected from abuse and neglect. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CLEAN AIR TRUST FUND Authority: SL2004-161 §19.6, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study establishing a Clean Air Trust Fund. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CLOSE ACHIEVEMENT GAP Authority: SL2004-161 §13.7, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the best practices and methodologies for closing the achievement gap among children of various demographic groups who are performing below grade level. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OF RESTITUTION Authority: SL2004-161 §26.1, SB 1152. Report by: Administrative Office of the Courts and Department of Correction Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall jointly study the processes for the collection of restitution and shall determine methods for reducing the number of restitution payments that go unclaimed. Contact: David F. Hoke Assistant Director, AOC (919) 715-4890 7 COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND EMERGENCY SITUATIONS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly COMPANION ANIMALS Authority: SL2002-180 §6.1, SB 98. Report by: Legislative Study Commission on Companion Animals Report to: General Assembly Report due: May make an interim report no later than the convening of the 2003 General Assembly, and final report to the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session Scope: Shall review the laws regarding companion animals considering the operation of public and private shelters, spay-neuter programs, minimum standards and responsibilities for owners, and the need and feasibility of licensing commercial breeders and kennel operators. Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. COMPANION ANIMALS (HOUSE) Authority: Letter of 8-13-2003; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6 Report by: House Interim Committee on the Prevention and Disposition of Unwanted and Abandoned Companion Animals and the Intervention of Animal Cruelty Report to: General Assembly Report due: Report to the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, and final report December 31, 2004 Scope: Shall address the issue of preventing unwanted and abandoned companion animals, specifically through the medical procedures pr spaying and neutering, to review the laws related to current control practices, including disposition, and the laws dealing with revenue collection and appropriation. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. COMPARATIVE TAX BURDEN Authority: SL2004-161 §14.8, SB 1152. Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the comparative tax burden on residents of South Carolina and residents of North Carolina. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN HIGH-LEVEL OFFICERS Authority: SL2003-284 §30.15, HB 397. Report by: Office of State Personnel, Office of State Budget and Management Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall study the relative compensation of members of the Council of State, State department heads, and other high-ranking elected and nonelected public officials whose salaries are set by the General Assembly to determine whether the officers are being compensated at rates 8 in accordance with: scope of responsibility and span of control; critical nature of department, agency, institution, or function; relative size of operations and budget under officer’s control; and required credentials, knowledge, and experience necessary for position. Contact: Thomas H. Wright – Director (919) 733-7108 COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLANNING Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(i), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION ISSUES Authority: SL2004-161 §17.4, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study all aspects of transportation, including planning and scheduling of projects, legislative and executive oversight, revenues, funding, and expenditures of the Highway Fund, the Highway Trust Fund, and Federal Aid programs for transportation. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. COMPUTER-BASED MATH AND LITERACY PROGRAMS Authority: SL2004-161 §13.15, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study ways to improve math and literacy skills in children age 18 months to six years through the use of innovative computer-based software. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CONFINEMENT OF INCAPACITATED INMATES Authority: SL2004-161 §29.4, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the confinement of inmates who are irreversibly, physically incapacitated due to chronic illness or disability. May include, but not limited to, a review of current policies, a calculation of potential population figures and medical care costs, a determination of possible alternatives to incarceration and accompanying costs, and a consideration of procedures for termination of commutation of sentences. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CONFORM BANK EXPENSE DEDUCTION Authority: SL2004-161 §14.4, SB 1152. Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee 9 Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether the State income tax on banks should be conformed to the federal income tax. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CONSOLIDATED CORPORATE INCOME TAX RETURNS Authority: SL2003-349 §9, SB 236. Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: Not specified Report Due: Not specified Scope: The Committee shall establish a study group composed of State tax professionals from accounting firms and representatives of the Department of Revenue to work together on gathering appropriate data to conduct an analysis of the potential revenue impact of modifying the corporate income tax law to require consolidated returns. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CONSOLIDATION OF STATE HEALTH CARE SERVICES Authority: SL2004-161 §15.3, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether a State entity should be established to purchase health care services provided with State funds and to administer data consolidation and claims processing systems in order to enhance quality of care, promote cost containment, and achieve administrative efficiency and effectiveness in the system of services provided by the State. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. CRAVEN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL Authority: SL2004-161 §43.1, SB 1152. Report by: Craven Technical High School Task Force Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report due: January 15, 2005 Scope: State Board of Community Colleges, State Board of Education, Craven Community College, Craven County Schools may establish task force to develop a plan to expand students' education oportunities within the school system by creating a technical high school. Contact: Dr. Barry Russell State Board of Community Colleges (919) 733-7051 CREDIT FOR HIRING APPRENTICES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly 10 CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS FEE ADJUSTMENT Authority: SL2003-284 §14.5(b), HB 397. Report by: Office of State Budget and Management Report to: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, and Fiscal Research Division Contact: Charles Perusse – Deputy State Budget Director (919) 733-7061 CURRITUCK TO OUTER BANKS FERRY Authority: SL2002-126 §26.12, SB 1115 Report by: Department of Transportation Report to: General Assembly Report due: On or before June 1, 2003 Scope: Shall study and determine the feasibility of establishing ferry service from Currituck County to the northern Outer Banks. Contact: Susan Coward– Legislative Liaison (919) 733-2520 DAIRY INDUSTRY Authority: SL2004-161 §30.4, SB 1152. Report by: Agriculture and Forestry Awareness Study Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of the 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the condition of the dairy industry in the State. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly DETER JUVENILE ESCAPES Authority: SL2004-161 §29.2, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the issue of persons who escape from the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and develop appropriate sanctions for those persons. Shall consult with the Department, the AOC, and the Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission to develop a statutory scheme through which both juveniles and persons who are over the age of 16 years shall be punished for escaping from the custody of the Department. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. 11 DETERRENTS TO STORMWATER RUNOFF Authority: SL2004-161 §19.8, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the feasibility of encouraging permeable surfaces as a deterrent to stormwater runoff. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. DISPUTE SETTLEMENT CENTERS Authority: SL2003-284 §13.15(b), HB 397. Report by: Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee Report to: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety Scope: The Committee shall Review funding for centers, study the use of funding by recipients, determine if language of statute accurately state’s the GA’s priorities, recommend whether to vary match requirements according to each center’s ability to obtain non-State resources, and study any other relevant factors. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Authority: Letter of 8-12-2003; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6a and House Rule 26a Report by: House Select Committee on Domestic Violence Report to: General Assembly Report due: April 15, 2004 Scope: Shall review the causes of domestic violence, the laws related to domestic violence in North Carolina, the law enforcement and judicial system responses to domestic violence cases, the severity of criminal penalties in domestic violence cases, the effectiveness of the 1999 Crime Victims' Rights Act, and the adequacy of the data collection systems tracking domestic violence cases and homicides. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. DOROTHEA DIX HOSPITAL PROPERTY Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly DOROTHEA DIX PROPERTY Authority: SL2003-314 sec. 3.4(a), HB 684. Report by: Dorothea Dix Hospital Property Study Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Not specified Scope: Shall study the sale of Dorothea Dix campus property no longer needed by the hospital and not transferred to another agency and make recommendations on options for sale of the property to the Governmental Operations Commission before any sale. Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. 12 DREDGE Authority: SL2004-124 §30.12, HB 1414. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Not specified Scope: Shall study the feasibility and cost of constructing and establishing a dredge to be used to clear channels that are within the State and that are not maintained by the Corps of Engineers and to be used for beach renourishment. May hire an outside consultant in conducting this study. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. DRIVER EDUCATION PRIVATIZATION Authority: SL2003-284 §29.7, HB 397. Report by: State Board of Education Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee, and Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report due: November 30, 2003 Scope: Shall study statewide privatization of State-funded driver education programs. Contact: Board Office (919) 807-3304 DUPLICATION OF SMART START SERVICES Authority: SL2003-284 §10.38(i), HB 397. Report by: NC Partnership for Children, Inc. Report to: House Appropriations Committee, and Senate Appropriations Committee Report due: Not specified Scope: Shall study any duplication of health services, family support, and program support activities. Contact: Karen Ponder – Executive Director (919) 821-7999 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE Authority: SL2004-161 §49.1, SB 1152. Report by: Study Commission on Economic Development Infrastructure Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall examine the existing infrastructure for the delivery of economic development, including the many entities involved in economic development. Shall develop a plan to restructure and consolidate the infrastructure for the delivery of economic development to improve its organization and effectiveness. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT Authority: Letter of 09-04-2003; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, House Rule 26(a), and Senate Rule 31 Report by: Joint Select Committee on Economic Growth and Development Report to: General Assembly Report due: May report to the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, and shall report to the 2005 General Assembly 13 Scope: Undertake a comprehensive review of the current State and local resources devoted to economic growth and development and determine how the State, working together with local communities, can best achieve economic stability, growth, and development in North Carolina. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS ON LONG TERM SUSPENSION Authority: Letter of 11/12/2003; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6 Report by: House Interim Committee on Providing an Appropriate Education for Students on Long- Term Suspension Report to: General Assembly Report due: April 15, 2004 Scope: Shall study the feasibility and cost of developing a State plan to ensure that students recommended for long-term suspension receive an appropriate education. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. EFFECTIVENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS Authority: SL2004-161 §19.2, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the overall effectiveness of the State's efforts to protect the environment and conserve the natural resources of North Carolina. This study should include a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of existing legal mandates and of the organizational structure of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. ELECTRONIC MONITORING Authority: SL2003-284 §16.14, HB 397. Report by: Department of Correction Report to: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety Report due: March 1, 2004 Scope: Shall issue a request for information to determine interest and qualifications of private vendors, report on efforts to increase the use of electronic monitoring, document the geographic distribution of electronic monitoring compared to other intermediate sanctions, and analyze the reasons for the underutilization of the program. Contact: Legislative Liaison (919) 716-3700 ELECTRONIC NOTARIZATION Authority: SL2003-233 §4, SB 622. Report by: Secretary of State Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session Scope: May study and make recommendations regarding what changes are desirable to the Notary Public Act to further facilitate electronic notarization. Contact: Robert Wilson – Legislative Liaison 14 (919) 807-2023 ELECTRONIC RECORDATION Authority: SL2004-161 §6.1, SB 1152. Report by: General Statutes Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the issue of electronic recordation, specifically with regard to real property documents and other documents filed with register of deeds. Shall study methods for establishing uniform legal standards for the receipt, recordation, authentication, preservation, and retrieval of electronic documentsThe study shall include consideration of the Uniform Real Property Recordation Act drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws as well as other recources on electronic recording standards from national organizations such as the Property Records Industry Association and the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES IN RURAL COUNTIES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Authority: SL2002-180 §15.1, SB 98. Report by: Statewide Emergency Preparedness Study Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: May make interim reports to the 2003 General Assembly, final report to the 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the delivery of emergency medical services in the State: examining the State Trauma System funding; legal, administrative, logistical and other impediments to trauma care; ways of improving trauma care; State readiness to handle trauma from massive disasters; and other related matters. Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND STATEWIDE COMMUNICATIONS Authority: Letter of February 17, 2004; pursuant to House Rule 26(a), and Senate Rule 31. Report by: Joint Select Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Statewide Communication Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the delivery of emergency medical services and statewide communications. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. EMPLOYEE HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL BENEFITS Authority: Pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6(a) Report by: Senate Select Committee on Employee Hospital and Medical Benefits Report to: General Assembly Report Due: Not specified Scope: Not specified 15 Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES OF CANCER Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. EQUITY-BUILDING HOME OWNERSHIP Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(k), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly E-TEXTBOOKS FOR STUDENTS Authority: SL2004-161 §13.8, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study issues related to the availability and use of electronic copies of textbooks for public school students Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. EUGENIC STERILIZATION COMPENSATION Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly EVALUATE WATER QUALITY AND ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION IN SWIFT CREEK Authority: SL2003-433 §3, HB 566. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session Scope: May identify and evaluate options to protect water quality and endangered species in the portion of Swift Creek and its watershed in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin that are located east of Nash County State Road 1003 (Red Oak Road). Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. EXPANDING RAIL SERVICE Authority: Letter of October 8, 2004; pursuant to House Rule 26(a). Report by: House Interim Committee on Expanding Rail Service Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the costs and benefits of expanding and upgrading rail freight service in the State, the feasibility, cost, and benefits of commuter rail service, the cost and benefits of expanding passenger rail service including tourism, and ways to preserve unused or 16 abandoned rail corridors for future rail needs. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. FAIR BARGAIN ACT Authority: SL2004-161 §19.7, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study revocation of contracts under certain circumstances. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. FEDERAL STRUCTURED SENTENCING SYSTEM Authority: SL2004-161 §29.3, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the State's current system of structured sentencing and compare that with the federal system of structured sentencing. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. FILM INDUSTRY FEASIBILITY Authority: SL2003-284 §9.5, HB 397. Report by: UNC Board of Governors Report to: General Assembly Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall conduct a feasibility study to assess the strategic opportunities in the arts and entertainment industry in Forsyth County and its environs in the creation of programs, facilities, job opportunities, and tourism demand related to the film industry. The study shall include: the development of a program in digital media, and the development of a tourism destination film industry studio backlot. Contact: Board Office (919) 962-1000 FILM INDUSTRY INCENTIVES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly FINANCIAL BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE Authority: SL2001-491 §17.1, SB 166; SL2002-126 §25.1(c), SB 1115. Report by: Office of State Controller Report to: General Assembly Report due: Interim report to the 2001 General Assembly 2002 Regular Session, and a final report to the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session Scope: With the assistance of the Office of State Budget and Management, Office of Information Technology Services, and Office of State Personnel, shall engage a qualified consulting firm to determine the feasibility of developing and implementing a new financial business infrastructure for the State. 17 Contact: Robert Powell, State Controller (919) 981-5406 FIRE SAFETY IN LOCAL CONFINEMENT FACILITIES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly FLOODPLAIN MAPPING INFORMATION SHARING PLAN Authority: SL2004-161 §19.3, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether the information compiled on a regular basis by the Statewide Floodplain Mapping Unit would be useful and relevant to dam operators, local agencies, and State agencies with regard to making decisions about coordinating and controlling water releases from dams, flood control, floodplain management, and emergency evacuation procedures. May also study any other issues relevant to this topic. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. FOOD SAFETY AND SECURITY Authority: SL2004-161 §30.3, SB 1152. Report by: Agriculture and Forestry Awareness Study Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of the 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study ways to protect the State's food supply system and the agricultural industry base. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. FORGIVENESS OF STUDENT DEBT PROGRAM Authority: SL2004-161 §27.1, SB 1152. Report by: UNC Board of Governors Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report due: January 15, 2005 Scope: In conjunction with the Education Assistance Authority, may study the feasibility of a program that would forgive student indebtedness for teachers who have continuing certification in and are teaching in the disciplines of mathematics, science, or special education. Contact: Board Office (919) 962-1000 FORT FISHER VEHICLE USE Authority: SL2004-124 §12.3(b), HB 1414. Report by: Department of Environment and Natural Resources Report to: Environmental Review Commission Report due: February 1, 2005. 18 Scope: Shall conduct a study of vehicle use at Fort Fisher Recreation Area. Shall consider and determine the demand for vehicle access to the beach during different times of the year, review of scientific studies on the impact of vehicle use on sea turtles and nesting activity compared with such activity on adjoining Bald Head Conservancy property and Masonboro Island, and an analysis of the economic impact of restricting 24-hour vehicle access. Contact: Johanna Reese, Legislative Liaison (919) 715-4189 FUTURE OF ELECTRIC SERVICES Authority: SL97-40, SB 38; SL1999-122, HB 778; SL1999-395 §6.1, HB 163; SL2000-53, HB 1593; SL2000-67 §14.10, HB 1840. Report by: Study Commission on the Future of Electric Service in North Carolina Report to: General Assembly Report due: Interim report to the 1997 General Assembly 1998 Regular Session, and shall report periodically thereafter and shall terminate June 30, 2006. Scope: Shall study the cost, adequacy, availability and pricing of electric rates and service to determine whether legislation is necessary to assure adequate and reliable service and economical, fair and equitable rates for all consumers of electricity. Study shall include reliability, universal access, states reciprocity, stranded costs, state and federal jurisdiction, alternative regulation, customer choice of providers, and the impact of competition. Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. FUTURE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD Authority: G.S. 120-245 Report by: Future of the North Carolina Railroad Study Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Annually Scope: Shall study the importance of railroads and railroad infrastructure to economic development including short-line railroads, and issues important to the future of passenger and freight rail service, methods to expedite property disputes between railroads and property owners, and all aspects of the operation, structure, management, and long-range plans of the N.C. Railroad. Note: Made permanent by SL2000-138 sec. 8.3(b). Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. GIVING NOTICE OF RIGHTS TO CONTEST MECHANIC'S LIEN STORAGE CHARGE OF VEHICLES SEIZED UNDER DWI FORFEITURE LAWS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly GLOBAL TRANSPARK DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BOARD STRUCTURE Authority: SL2003-284 §12.8(f), HB 397 Report by: To be conducted by a designee of the NC Partnership for Economic Development Report to: Fiscal Research Division and members of the NC Partnership for Economic Development Scope: Board structure of the Global TransPark Development Commission shall be studied in accordance with recommendations in the Kenan-Flagler study, to determine if the board 19 structure should be reconstituted and made similar to the boards of the Northeastern or Southeastern NC Regional Economic Development Commissions. GUARDIANSHIP LAWS Authority: SL2004-161 §45.1, SB 1152. Report by: Legislative Study Commission on State Guardianship laws Report to: General Assembly Report due: Interim report to upon convening of the 2005 General Assembly, and final report upon convening of 2005 General Assembly 2006 Regular Session Scope: To review State law pertaining to guardianship and its relationship to other pertinent State laws such as the health care power of attorney, the right to a natural death, and durable power of attorney. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HABITUAL FELON LAW AMENDMENT Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly HANDHELD CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Authority: SL2004-161 §34.1, SB 1152. Report by: Study Commission on Health Care Workforce Development Report to: General Assembly Report due: Interim report to the 2005 General Assembly 2005 Regular Session, and final report to the 2005 General Assembly 2006 Regular Session Scope: To determine methods to increase the number of people providing health and dental care in this State and to overcome existing barriers contributing to the health care provider shortages. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HEALTH INSURANCE Authority: SL2004-175, HB 1463. Report by: Health Insurance Innovations Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Not specified Scope: Identify and evaluate comprehensively the problems small employers face when they attempt to obtain health insurance coverage for themselves and their employees and consider the impact these problems have for large employees and the communities they serve. Initiate regional demonstration projects to pilot innovative health care plans and products to address the problems identified. Develop clear and substantive 20 recommendationsfor actions that must be taken by health insurance carriers, health care providers, government, small business employers, large business employers, consumers, and consumer groups. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HEALTH INSURANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES/TRADE ASSOCIATIONS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(b), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly HEALTH INSURANCE FOR UNINSURABLE INDIVIDUALS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(c), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly HEALTH INSURANCE MANDATES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly HIGH-RISK HEALTH INSURANCE POOLS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE INCENTIVES Authority: SL2004-161 §13.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether bonuses should be paid to principals for increased graduation rates. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN COLLEGE LEVEL COURSES Authority: SL2003-284 §7.36, HB 397. Report by: State Board of Education Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report due: December 15, 2003 Scope: Shall study the issue of weighted grades for high school students who take university and community college courses. Contact: Board Office (919) 807-3304 21 HIGHWAY TRUST FUND Authority: SL2003-284 §29.12(c), HB 397; and SL2004-161 §20.1, SB 1152. Report by: Highway Trust Fund Study Committee Report to: Joint Legislative Transportation oversight Committee Report due: January 31, 2005 Scope: May study all aspects of the Highway Trust Fund. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HIGHWAY USE TAX BASED ON EFFICIENCY/VEHICLE REGISTRATION BASED ON VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED Authority: SL2004-161 §19.10, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether to modify the current highway use tax so that all or a portion of the tax paid on a private passenger vehicle is based on fuel efficiency, and whether to modify the current vehicle registration fee so that all or a portion of the annual fee for a passenger vehicle is based on vehicle miles traveled. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly HORACE WILLIAMS AIRPORT Authority: Letter of 01-20-2004, pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, House Rule 26(a), and Senate Rule 31 Report by: Joint Select Committee on the Horace Williams Airport Report to: General Assembly Report due: May report to the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, final report to the 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the utility of maintaining the operation of the Horace Williams Airport in Chapel Hill, taking in to consideration issues of safety, access, expense of operation, and alternative operation structures to meet aviation demands at the existing facility. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HURRICANE EVACUATION STANDARDS STUDY COMMISSION Authority: SL2004-161 §32.1, SB 1152. Report by: Hurricane Evacuation Standards Study Commission Report to: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report due: January 15, 2005 Scope: Shall study the development and establishment of hurricane evacuation standards for the State. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. HURRICANE RELIEF Authority: Letter of November 30, 2004; pursuant to House Rule 26(a), and Senate Rule 31. 22 Report by: Joint Select Committee on Hurricane Relief Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the impacts of the 2004 hurricanes in the State, particularly those impacts associated with events in the western part of the State. Shall determine if any unmet needs exist after operation of customary federal, State, and local disaster recovery programs. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. I-95 TOLLS Authority: SL2004-161 §17.2, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the feasibility of establishing tolls on Interstate 95 from South Carolina to Virginia. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. IMMIGRATION Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly IMPACT OF ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR CONSERVATION ON LOCAL TAX REVENUES Authority: SL2003-284 §11.7(a), HB 397. Report by: Property Tax Subcommittee of the Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, Revenue Laws Study Committee, and Fiscal Research Division Report due: January 15, 2004 Scope: Shall study the positive and negative impacts of the acquisition of land by the State and non-profit organizations using money from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and other State funds for conservation purposes on local government ad velorem tax revenues. The Committee may consider efforts by other states and the federal government to mitigate the negative impacts of acquisition of land for conservation. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. INCOME TAX DERIVED FROM MANUFACTURING Authority: SL2004-161 §14.6, SB 1152. Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether income tax derived from manufacturing should be exempt from income taxation. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BUDGET STRUCTURE REVIEW Authority: SL2003-284 §21.1, HB 397 23 Report by: Office of State Budget and Management Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, chairs of the Joint Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, and Fiscal Research Division Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall conduct a study of information technology expenditures across all of State government, with focused attention to identification and elimination of duplicative expenditures, operations, and inventory, to identify and recommend potential cost savings and efficiencies in State agency IT operations. Contact: Charles Perusse – Deputy State Budget Director (919) 733-7061 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LEGACY SYSTEMS Authority: SL2003-172, HB 941. Report by: Office of Information Technology Services Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations Report due: Assessment phase by March 1, 2004, 2nd phase by January 31, 2005. Scope: Shall, in conjunction with the Information Resource Management Commission, analyze the State’s legacy information technology systems and develop a plan to ascertain the needs, costs, and time frame required for State agencies to progress to more modern information technology systems. Contact: George Bakolia – Chief Information Officer (919) 981-2680 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OPERATION CENTRALIZATION FOR DHHS Authority: SL2003-284 §10.8A(a), HB 397. Report by: Department of Health and Human Services Report to: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and Fiscal Research Division Scope: Shall conduct a department wide examination and analysis of its information technology infrastructure, including expenditures and management function. The Department shall review contracts with outside vendors, and consider the implementation of performance measures on future contracts. The Department shall develop a plan for the establishment of a Central IT Operations Unit common to all divisions, offices, and programs of the Department. Contact: Glenda Parker – Administration Officer (919) 733-4534 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY ASSESSMENT Authority: SL2003-153 §1, HB 1003. Report by: State Chief Information Officer Report to: Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, and public Report due: May 4, 2004 Scope: Shall assess the ability of each agency to comply with the current security enterprise-wide set of standards established pursuant to this section. The assessment shall include the rate of compliance with the standards in each agency, an assessment of each agency’s security organization, network security architecture, and current expenditures for information technology security. The assessment shall also estimate the cost to implement the security measures needed for agencies to fully comply with the standards. Contact: George Bakolia – Chief Information Officer (919) 981-2680 24 INSURANCE AND CIVIL JUSTICE REFORM Authority: Pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6(a) Report by: Senate Select Committee on Insurance and Civil Justice Reform Report to: General Assembly Report Due: Not specified Scope: Not specified Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. INTEGRATION OF CARE FOR CHILDREN WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEM SERVICE NEEDS Authority: SL2004-161 §24.2, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall conduct a comprehensive review of the State's system of care for children with multiple system service needs, to determine the extent to which children who need services from multiple State and local agencies in this system are or are not receiving those services in a timely manner, the effectiveness of the services provided, the potential long-term impact on the children, their families, and the State and local resources of not providing all services in a timely and cost-effective manner, and to make detailed recommendations on the system changes necessary to address the problems identified as quickly as possible. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. INTERNET SALE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. JOB SHARING Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly JUDICIAL APPROVAL FOR PLEAS IN CERTAIN CASES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Authority: SL2004-161 §13.10, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly 25 Scope: May study the issue of modifying kindergarten admission requirements as it relates to student readiness to enter kindergarten. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. LABOR AUDIT SYSTEMS/INCENTIVES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly LANDSCAPE/IRRIGATION CONTRACTORS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly LAPTOPS IN SENATE CHAMBER Authority: Pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6(a) Report by: Senate Select Committee on Laptops in Senate Chamber Report to: General Assembly Report Due: Not specified Scope: Not specified Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER RECLASSIFICATION Authority: SL2004-161 §42.1, SB 1152. Report by: Office of State Personnel. Report to: General Assembly and Fiscal Research Division Report due: January 3, 2005 Scope: Shall conduct a reclassification study of all sworn law enforcement officers employed in the Division of Parks and Recreation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Contact: Thomas Wright, Director (919) 733-7108 LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK PROGRAM Authority: SL2003-352 §12(a), HB 897. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, or 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study issues related to the Leaking Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Program. Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE BRANCH LOBBYING Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly 26 LEGISLATIVE RETIREMENT SYSTEM TRANSFER OF SERVICE Authority: SL2003-284 §30.18(c), HB 397. Report by: State Treasurer, Retirement Division; and Board of Trustees of the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System Report to: General Assembly Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall study the feasibility and cost implications of applying the provisions of this section to present retirees of the Legislative Retirement System. Contact: Julie White – Public Information Officer (919) 508-1024 LICENSE PLATE ISSUES Authority: SL2003-424 §7, HB 855. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, or 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the following issues related to special registration plates: number of plates that have not received the minimum applications after three years and whether to repeal those plates; the plate background and alternative methods of identifying NC vehicles; and the fees and distribution of those fees. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. LIGHT POLLUTION Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly LOCAL SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FINANCING Authority: SL2004-161 §11.1, SB 1152. Report by: Local School Construction Financing Study Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Interim report to the 2005 General Assembly, no later than January 15, 2005, and a final report to the 2005 General Assembly 2006 Regular Session, no later than March 31, 2006. Scope: Shall examine the present system of local financing for school facilities and shall study alternative options for financing local school construction, renovation, repair, and maintenance. May study public-private partnerships for school construction and facility ownership, sale leaseback arrangements, private and commercial financing arrangements, design standards for school facilities that may facilitate alternative financing techniques, alternative local revenue sources for financing school facilities, the use of real estate investment trusts, State and local construction bond pools, and other financing issues deemed pertinent by the Commission. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. 27 LONG-TERM CARE REMEDIATION Authority: SL2004-161 §23.2, SB 1152. Report by: Study Commission on Aging Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the feasibility of implementing a remediation program for long-term care facilities similar to the Collaborative Remediation Project in Michigan. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. LOSS OF MANUFACTURING BUSINESSES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly MASSAGE THERAPY REGULATION Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly MEDICAID FUNDING Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(e), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly MEDICAID REFORM Authority: SL2003-284 §6.14A(a), HB 397; and SL2004-161 §52.1, SB 1152. Report by: Blue Ribbon Commission on Medicaid Reform Report to: General Assembly Report due: Interim report by April 1, 2004, Final report by February 1, 2005 Scope: The Commission shall examine the State’s Medicaid program and make comprehensive recommendations for fundamental reform. Contact: See Commission listing in Part II of this volume. MEDICAL ERRORS Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. MEDICAL MALPRACTICE Authority: Letter of 09-12-03; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and House Rule 26(a) Report by: House Blue Ribbon Task Force on Medical Malpractice Report to: General Assembly Report due: April 15, 2004 28 Scope: Shall conduct a study of medical malpractice and make comprehensive recommendations for fundamental reform. Contact: See Task Force listing in Part II of this volume. MEETING IRS REQUEST FOR A DEFINED RETIREMENT AGE Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES FINANCING Authority: SL2004-161 §18.1, SB 1152. Report by: Department of Health and Human Services Report to: Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Fiscal Research Division. Report due: No larer than July 1, 2005 Scope: Shall study the financing of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. MENTAL HEALTH IN PRISONS Authority: SL2004-161 §24.3, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the incidence of mental illness and substance abuse problems among inmates in the NC prison and juvenile justice systems. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. MENTALLY ILL LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS Authority: SL2004-161 §23.3, SB 1152. Report by: Study Commission on Aging Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study issues related to mentally. ill residents in long-term care facilities. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. MERCURY EMISSIONS MONITORING Authority: SL2002-4 §12, SB 1078. Report by: Division of Air Quality, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Report to: Environmental Management Commission, Environmental Review Commission Report due: Interim reports annually beginning September 1, 2003, and final report September 1, 2005 Scope: Shall study issues related to the monitoring of emissions of mercury and the development and implementation of standards and plans to implement programs to control emissions of mercury from coal-fired generating units. Shall evaluate available control technologies and 29 shall estimate the benefits and costs of alternative strategies to reduce emissions of mercury. Contact: Johanna Reese, Legislative Liaison (919) 715-4189 MILITARY AFFAIRS Authority: Letter of 11/12/2003; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, House Rule 26a, and Senate Rule 31 Report by: Joint Select Committee on Military Affairs Report to: General Assembly Report due: May report to the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, and shall report to the 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the State's relationship with the military Note: Senate Select Committee on Military Affairs created on March 11, 2003, merged with Joint Select Committee. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. MILITARY AFFAIRS (SENATE) Authority: Pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and Senate Rule-31 Report by: Senate Select Committee on Military Affairs Report to: General Assembly Report Due: Not specified Scope: Merged with Joint Select Committee on Military Affairs as of 11/12/2003. MOBILE MEDICAL OPERATING ROOM Authority: SL2003-284 §16.7, HB 397. Report by: Department of Correction Report to: House Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall study the use of the mobile operating room at Central Prison. Contact: Legislative Liaison (919) 716-3700 MOPED IDENTIFICATION TAG Authority: SL2003-397 §6, SB 61. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session, or 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the need for a moped identification tag program, and make recommendations on identifying mopeds if it sees the need. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. MOTOR VEHICLE TOTAL LOSS CLAIMS DISCLOSURE CLARIFICATION Authority: SL2004-161 §17.6, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. 30 MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAWS Authority: Letter of 09-24-03; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6 Report by: House Select Committee on Motorcycle Helmet Laws Report to: General Assembly Report due: May 15, 2004 Scope: Shall review the laws of this State and other states relating to the use of motorcycle helmets; including current requirements for mandatory use, studies of effectiveness, effects on insurance premiums, safety training Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. NATUROPATHIC LICENSING Authority: Letter of September 28, 2004; pursuant to House Rule 26(a), and Senate Rule 31. Report by: Joint Select Study Committee on Naturopathic Licensing Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the feasibility of licensing naturopathic physicians. If Committee recommends licensing it shall recommend requirements for licensure and the establishment of a licensing board. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. NATUROPATHY Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(j), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly NEWBORN COVERAGE Authority: SL2004-161 §31.1, SB 1152. Report by: Committee on Employee Hospital and Medical Benefits Report to: General Assembly Report due: Not specified Scope: May study the following issues pertaining to benefits under the TSECMMP: whether to repeal or modify coverage limits for examination and supervision of normal newborn infants to only when the mother is receiving maternity benefits; whether to adopt a federally qualified health reimbursement arrangement; whether deductibles and co-payment amounts should be based on income of Plan member. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. NONDISCHARGE ANIMAL WASTE PERMITS Authority: SL2003-28 §2, SB 733. Report by: Department of Environment and Natural Resources Report to: Environmental Review Commission Report due: March 1, 2004 Scope: Shall study the use of general nondischarge permits for animal waste management systems for swine, cattle, and poultry operations to protect water quality, including the impact of the use of general permits on the land application and potential discharge of nitrogen and phosphorous to surface water and groundwater in the State. 31 Contact: Johanna Reese, Legislative Liaison (919) 715-4189 NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING WORKER SAFETY Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly NORTH CAROLINA MANUAL DISTRIBUTION AND SALE Authority: SL2003-284 §24.2, HB397. Report by: Secretary of State Report to: House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, and Fiscal Research Division Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall report on the distribution and sale of the North Carolina Manual, and shall study the feasibility of making the manual available via the Internet. Contact: Robert Wilson – Legislative Liaison (919) 807-2023 NOTARY LAWS REVISION Authority: SL2004-161 §6.2, SB 1152. Report by: Secretary of State Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the issue of amending the notary laws in order to modernize and simplify their administration. The study shall also address the issue of electronic notarization. Contact: Robert Wilson, Legislative Liaison (919) 807-2023 NURSING SHORTAGE Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARDS FUNDING/BUDGETING Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(l), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly OFFENDER FEES COLLECTION Authority: SL2003-284 §16.15, HB 397. Report by: Department of Correction, and Judicial Department 32 Report to: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall report on the success of their efforts to improve the collection rate of offender fees for probationers and for nonprobationers sentenced to community service and on any recommendations for statutory or procedural changes to improve collections. Contact: Legislative Liaison (919) 716-3700 OPTIONAL GRADUATED 25 YEAR RETIREMENT PLAN FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly OUTDOOR ADVERTISING AMORTIZATION ORDINANCES Authority: SL2003-432 §2, HB 754. Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session Scope: To study local government ordinances amortizing off premises outdoor advertising. Contact: See listing for Committee in Part II of this volume. OVARIAN CANCER RISKS AND PREVENTION EDUCATION Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. OVERREPRESENTATION OF MINORITY YOUTH IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTERS Authority: SL2004-161 §48.1, SB 1152. Report by: North Carolina Central University Report to: General Assembly, and Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Report due: January 15, 2005 Scope: In conjuction with NCCU's Department of Sociology, may study whether there is an overrepresentation of minority youth in NC youth development centers. PAIN MANAGEMENT AND PALLIATIVE CARE Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. 33 PAMLICO TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL Authority: SL2004-161 §43.1, SB 1152. Report by: Pamlico Technical High School Task Force Report to: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report due: January 15, 2005 Scope: State Board of Community Colleges, State Board of Education, Pamlico Community College, and Pamlico County School may establish task force to develop a plan to expand students' education oportunities within the school system by creating a technical high school. Contact: Dr. Barry Russell State Board of Community Colleges (919) 733-7051 PAWNBROKERS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1(d), SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly PAY EQUITY FOR STATE/LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly PEAT-BASED WASTEWATER SYSTEMS Authority: SL2004-161 §8.1, SB 1152. Report by: Commission for Health Services Report to: Senate Appropriations Committee on Natural and Economic Resources, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural and Economic Resources, Fiscal Research Division, and Environmental Review Commission Report due: January 15, 2005 Scope: Shall evaluate the desirability and feasibility of developing and implementing a pilot program whereby any individual seeking to use an innovative wastewater system, under G.S. 130A-343(g), that employs peat-based technology, at the individual's residence shall be required to use a wastewater system that satisfies all of the following: 1) complies with Standard 40 of the NSF, 2) has a mandatory maintenance agreement developed by the manufacturer included in purchase contract. Contact Glenda Parker, Administrative Officer (919) 733-4534 PHYSICAL RESTRAINTS/SECLUSION IN SCHOOLS Authority: SL2004-161 §13.4, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the use of physical restraints and seclusion in public schools. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. 34 POSTRETIREMENT EARNINGS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS Authority: SL2004-161 §14.3, SB 1152. Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study private activity bonds. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. PROBATION/PAROLE OFFICER WORKLOADS Authority: SL2003-284 §16.18(b), HB 397. Report by: Department of Correction Report to: House Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety Report due: April 1, 2004 Scope: Shall conduct a study of probation/parole officer workload at least biannually. The initial study shall be conducted jointly by Department staff and a consultant, and shall include analysis of the type of offenders supervised, the distribution of the officers’ time by type of activity, the caseload carried by the officers, and comparisons to practices in other states. The study shall determine whether the caseload goals established by the Structured Sentencing Act are still appropriate. Contact: Legislative Liaison (919) 716-3700 PROFITEERING FROM CRIME Authority: Letter of 01-21-2004, pursuant to G.S. 120-19-6(a), and House Rule 26(a) Report by: House Select Committee on Preventing Unjust Profiteering from Crime Report to: General Assembly Report due: On or before the convening of the 2003 General Assembly 2004 Regular Session Scope: Shall study the laws of this State and other states to determine what can be done to preventcriminal offenders and other from profiteering from crimes and may study other related issues. May consider court cases concerning "Son of Sam" laws to ensure any proposed legislation can withstand constitutional challenge. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. PROMOTE GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY AND SAVINGS IN STATE SPENDING Authority: SL2004-161 §16.1, SB 1152. Report by: Department of Administration Report to: Legislative Research Commission Report due: January 15, 2005 35 Scope: UNC, AOC, Department of Administration, Legislative Services Office, Community College System, and Department of Public Instruction shall jointly study various ways to promote government efficiency and savings on State spending, including: consolidate administrative functions, establish Statewide Benefit Committee, DMV-NCDL registration extensions, combine safety programs, increase use of public defenders, Controller's fees, and deferred retirement option program. Contact: George Millsaps, Liaison for Productivity and Legislative Affairs (919) 807-2340 PROMOTING PATIENT SAFETY Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly PROTECTING PROPERTY OWNERS ADJACENT TO ACTIVITIES FOR WHICH A STORMWATER PERMIT IS ISSUED Authority: SL2004-161 §19.9, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study ways to protect a property owner whose land is adjacent to or downstream from a site on which alterations of the existing flow of stormwater will occur. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. PUBLIC DEFENDERS Authority: SL2003-284 §13.6, HB 397. Report by: Office of Indigent Defense Services Report to: House Appropriations Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety, and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety Report due: March 1, 2004 Scope: Shall study the establishment of additional public defender districts, identifying the areas of the State in which savings could be realized by the establishment of such districts and the projected savings in each area. Contact: Malcolm R. Hunter – Executive Director (919) 560-3380 REDISTRICTING Authority: Letter of 11-19-2003; pursuant to G.S. 120-19.6, and Senate Rule 31 Report by: Senate Select Committee on Redistricting Report to: General Assembly Report due: Not specified Scope: Committee ends on appointment of standing Senate Redistricting Committee Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. REDUCE UTILITY EQUIPMENT SALES TAX Authority: SL2004-161 §14.12, SB 1152. 36 Report by: Revenue Laws Study Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether light construction equipment should be given preferential sales and use tax treatment. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. REDUCING PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS Authority: SL2004-161 §15.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. REEMPLOYMENT OF RETIREES Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly REGIONAL WATER SUPPLIES Authority: SL2004-161 §19.5, SB 1152. Report by: Environmental Review Commission Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study the issue of the development and funding of regional water supply systems. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. REGISTRATION OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES Authority: SL2004-161 §17.5, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: May study whether all-terrain vehicles should be registered and regulated. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. REGULATING TICKET BROKERS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly RENEWABLE AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY Authority: SL2004-161 §9.1, SB 1152. Report by: Joint Legislative Utility Review Committee Report to: General Assembly Report due: Not specified 37 Scope: May study the economic, environmental, and social issues associated with the development and use of renewable and alternative energy in the State. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. RESIDENTAL AND URBAN ENCROACHMENT ON MILITARY BASES AND TRAINING AREAS Authority: SL2004-161 §4.1, SB 1152. Report by: Study Commission on Residential and Urban Encroachment on Military Bases and Training Areas Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study residential and urban encroachment on military bases and training areas including: restricting zoning, affect on deed registration, protecting areas around bases and training areas by purchasing development rights and buffers, and other issues considered relevant. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE Authority: SL2004-161 §10.1, SB 1152. Report by: Building Code Council Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the Residential Building Code to determine which provisions, if any, are unnecessary, outdated, overly stringent, or otherwise unduly increase the cost of housing. Contact: Jackie B. Grizzel, Secretary (919) 661-5880 RESTITUTION Authority: Letter of September 14, 2004; pursuant to House Rule 26(a). Report by: House Select Committee on Restitution Report to: General Assembly Report due: 2005 General Assembly Scope: Shall study the processes for the collection and payment of restitution, and shall determine the methods for reducing the numbers of restitution payments that go unclaimed. The Committee shall incorporate the work to be conducted under SL2004-161 sec. 26.1 into its study and produce one report that contains the recommendations of the Committee, the AOC, and the Dept. of Correction. Contact: See Committee listing in Part II of this volume. RESTRUCTURE PRIOR CRIMINAL RECORD POINTS Authority: SL2004-161 §2.1, SB 1152 [LRC took no action.] Report by: Legislative Research Commission Report to: General Assembly RETAINAGE FROM PAYMENT ON PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS Authority: SL2004-161 §21.1, SB 1152. Report by: Department of Administration Report to: General Assembly Report due: Upon convening of 2005 General Assem |
OCLC number | 25742562 |