MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Hewes, Woodfield, Gollott

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That a special study committee is created to make a comprehensive study of the need for establishing a coastal streams water basin district to provide for the conservation and beneficial use of surface waters in the gulf coast region. The committee shall be composed of five (5) members of the Senate to be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, and the Chairmen of the Senate Ports and Marine Resources Committee who shall serve as chairman of the committee.

Within fifteen (15) days after sine die adjournment of the 1998 Regular Session of the Legislature, the Lieutenant Governor shall appoint the members of the committee. After the members are appointed, the committee shall meet on a date designated by the chairman of the committee at the New Capitol, to organize the committee and establish rules for transacting its business and keeping records. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum at all committee meetings. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members present and voting shall be required in the adoption of rules, resolutions and reports, and in any other actions taken by the committee. All members of the committee shall be notified in writing of all regular and special meetings of the committee, which notices shall be mailed at least five (5) days before the dates of the meetings.

The committee may establish any subcommittees that it deems desirable to study and report to the committee with respect to any matter that is within the scope of this resolution.

The committee shall make a written report of its findings and recommendations, and shall mail copies of the report to each member of the Senate not later than December 1, 1999.

In carrying out the provisions of this resolution, the committee may utilize the services, facilities and personnel of all departments, agencies, offices and institutions of the state, including the state universities and the community and junior colleges.

For attending meetings of the committee, each member shall be paid, from the Senate contingent expense fund per diem compensation in the amount authorized by Section 25-3-69, Mississippi Code of 1972, and a mileage allowance and an expense allowance in the amount authorized by Section 5-1-47, Mississippi Code of 1972. However, no per diem compensation, mileage allowance or expense allowance shall be paid for attending meetings of the committee while the Legislature is in session, and no per diem compensation, mileage allowance or expense allowance shall be paid without prior approval of the Senate Management Committee.

All expenses incurred by and on behalf of the committee shall be paid from funds made available by the Senate Management Committee from the Senate Contingent Expense Fund, from any funds appropriated for the purpose of this resolution, and from any grants or contributions made to the committee for its purpose.