MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Coleman (65th), Scott (80th), Blackmon, Clarke, Coleman (29th), Fredericks, Gibbs, Morris, Myers, Smith (27th), Walker, Wallace

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CREATING THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., COMMISSION, PROVIDING FOR THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION AND PROVIDING FOR THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.

WHEREAS, Martin Luther King, Jr., devoted his life to the recognition of the civil rights of all persons; and

WHEREAS, Martin Luther King Day was created to honor Dr. King for his contributions to all of the human race; and

WHEREAS, the creation of a commission in the State of Mississippi will embrace and continue the message that Dr. King taught regarding civil rights:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That there is created the Martin Luther King, Jr., Commission, hereinafter referred to as "the commission." The purposes of the commission are to encourage appropriate ceremonies and activities throughout the State of Mississippi relating to the observance of the state legal holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., which occurs on the third Monday in January each year, and to provide advice and assistance to local governments and private organizations with respect to the observance of the holiday.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the commission shall be composed of 30 persons to be appointed as follows:

(a) On or before July 1, 1999, the Governor shall appoint ten members, two from each congressional district. Two appointees of the Governor shall be from the general public; two shall be teachers in a public elementary school; two shall be officers in the Student Government Association at a state-supported university or college; two shall be members of the clergy or representatives of a religious community; and two shall represent business or industry. The Governor shall designate two appointees to serve an initial term that expires on June 30, 2000, four appointees to serve initial terms that expire on June 30, 2001, and four appointees to serve initial terms that expire on June 30, 2002. The Governor shall designate one of his appointees to serve as chairperson of the commission until the commission has organized and selected its officers pursuant to this resolution.

(b) On or before July 1, 1999, the Lieutenant Governor shall appoint ten members, five of whom shall be members of the Senate; two of whom shall be professors at major universities in the state; and three of whom shall be active in professional social organizations. The five members of the Senate shall each be from a congressional district and shall serve ex officio. The Lieutenant Governor shall designate two appointees to serve initial terms that expire on June 30, 2000, four appointees to serve initial terms that expire on June 30, 2001, and four appointees to serve initial terms that expire on June 30, 2002.

(c) On or before July 1, 1999, the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint ten members, five of whom shall be members of the House of Representatives; two of whom shall be professors at major universities in the state; and three of whom shall be active in professional social organizations. The five members of the House of Representatives shall each be from a congressional district and shall serve ex officio. The Speaker shall designate two appointees to serve initial terms that expire on June 30, 2000, four appointees to serve initial terms that expire on June 30, 2001, and four appointees to serve initial terms that expire on June 30, 2002.

(d) It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission reflect the racial and gender demographics of the entire state.

Upon the expiration of the initial terms, all members shall be appointed for terms of three years from the expiration date of the previous term. Any vacancy occurring other than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term by the appropriate appointing authority. An appointment to fill an unexpired term shall not be considered as a full term.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the commission shall adopt rules for its efficient operation, which may include designation of its organizational structure including officers and committees, duties of officers and committees, a process for selecting officers, quorum requirements for committees, provisions for special or ad hoc committees, and other such procedures as may be necessary. The commission may establish committees responsible for conducting specific commission programs or activities.

All members of the commission shall serve without reimbursement of travel expenses, compensation or per diem.

The commission shall meet and conduct business at least semiannually, but not more often than once a month. All meetings of the commission and any committees of the commission shall be open to the public, with opportunities for public comment provided on a regular basis. Notice of all meetings shall be given as provided in the Open Meetings Act (Section 25-41-1 et seq.), and appropriate notice also shall be given to all persons so requesting of the date, time and place of each meeting.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That not later than July 1 of each year, the commission shall submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature concerning its activities under this act.