MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Gollott

A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A COMMITTEE FOR THE PURPOSE OF STUDYING ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS FOR NON-VIOLENT YOUTH; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI,

That:

There is hereby created a Special Committee to study (a) the Youth Challenge Program; (b) existing or potential alternative programs for non-violent youth; (c) programs at Oakley and Columbia; (d) the feasibility of expanding the Youth Challenge Program at Camp Shelby; (e) the continuing challenge of dropouts from Mississippi public schools; (f) more effective means of intervention and prevention; and (g) the level of funding required to adequately implement such program or programs. The committee may attend graduation of the Youth Challenge Program. The committee shall report to the 1999 Legislature and shall propose legislation related to such programs.

The committee shall be composed of the following members:

(a) The Chairman of the Senate Military Affairs Committee;

(b) The Chairman of the Senate Corrections Committee;

(c) The Chairman of the Senate Juvenile Justice Committee; and

(d) Two (2) members from each congressional district to be designated by the President of the Senate.

The committee shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman of the committee. The vice-chairman shall also serve as secretary and shall be responsible for keeping all records of the committee. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum, and shall be required to approve all reports and recommendations. All members shall be notified in writing of all meetings at least five (5) days prior to the date on which a meeting is to be held. For attending meetings of the committee, each member shall be paid from the contingent expense fund the same amounts as provided for committee meetings when the Legislature is not in session; however, no per diem and expenses shall be paid for attending meetings of the committee while the Legislature is in session, and no per diem and expenses shall be paid without prior approval of the Senate Management Committee.

The committee shall not hire any staff, but shall utilize the clerical and legal staff already employed by the Senate, and any other staff provided by a state agency pursuant to a request therefor by the committee.

The study committee shall be dissolved on January 1, 1999.