MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Insurance

By: Representative Blackmon

AN ACT TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI CHURCH ARSON COORDINATING COUNCIL AND TO PRESCRIBE ITS POWERS AND DUTIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF COORDINATING THE VARIOUS STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES INTO A STATEWIDE EFFORT THAT WILL ASSIST IN THE REPAIRING AND REBUILDING OF CHURCHES DESTROYED BY ARSON; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) There is hereby established a coordinating council to be known as the Mississippi Church Arson Coordinating Council hereinafter referred to as the "council." The council shall study and make recommendations to the Legislature related to the repairing, rebuilding and renovating of those churches in the state that have been damaged or destroyed by arson and also as to the coordinating of the various state and local agencies and organizations for the purpose of repairing, rebuilding and renovating those churches in the state that have been damaged or destroyed by arson. The council shall create a detailed plan of action for the repair and rebuilding of churches damaged or destroyed by arson that can be implemented by the various state and local agencies through a statewide coordinated effort.

(2) The council shall consist of ten (10) members. Five (5) members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and five (5) members shall be chosen by the Lieutenant Governor. One (1) member selected by the Speaker shall serve as chairman of the council and one (1) member selected by the Lieutenant Governor shall serve as cochair of the council.

(3) The council shall submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than June 30, 1997.

(4) For attending meetings of the council, members of the council shall receive per diem as provided by Section 25-3-69, and reimbursement of expenses as provided by Section 5-1-47. The members of the council shall obtain the approval of the Management Committee of the House of Representatives and the Contingent Expense Committee of the Senate for per diem and travel expense expenditures of the council. The members of the council shall not receive per diem or expenses while the Legislature is in session. All expenses incurred by and on behalf of the council shall be paid from the contingency funds of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

(5) In conducting its activities pursuant to this act, the council may elicit the support of and participation by federal, state and local agencies and interested associations, organizations and individuals.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.