MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Agriculture

By: Senator(s) Lee (35th), Albritton, Browning, Burton, Butler, Carmichael, Chaney, Clarke, Dearing, Gollott, Harden, Hewes, Jackson (32nd), Jordan, King, Morgan, Nunnelee, Posey, Simmons, Thames, Thomas, Walley, Walls, Williamson

Senate Bill 2942

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO CREATE A STUDY COMMITTEE ON THE POTENTIAL OF BIODIESEL FUEL IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  (1)  There is created a Study Committee on the Potential Use of Biodiesel Fuel.  The study committee shall study the need for mandated use of biodiesel and the benefits accruing to agriculture and the environment.  The committee shall report to the Legislature no later than January 2, 2007.

     (2)  The study committee shall consist of the following members:

          (a)  The Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and one (1) member of the Senate appointed by the Chairman;

          (b)  The Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and one (1) member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Chairman;

          (c)  One (1) member appointed by the Mississippi Petroleum Marketers Association;

          (d)  One (1) member appointed by the Mississippi Trucking Association;

          (e)  One (1) member appointed by the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation;

          (f)  One (1) member appointed by the Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority; and

          (g)  One (1) member appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce.

     (3)  (a)  Appointments shall be made within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this act.

          (b)  The Chairmen of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees shall serve as co-chairmen of the study committee.

     (4)  Legislative members shall be entitled to per diem, expense allowance and mileage as authorized for committee meetings when the Legislature is not in session.

     (5)  Any department, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the state or any political subdivision thereof shall, at the request of the co-chairmen of the study committee, provide such assistance that will enable the study committee to properly carry out its duties.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2006.