MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare

By: Senator(s) Bean

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 75-74-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO RECONSTITUTE THE YOUTH CAMP ADVISORY COUNCIL WITHIN THE STATE BOARD OF HEALTH; TO REPEAL SECTION 75-74-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE WAIVER OF COMPLIANCE WITH YOUTH CAMP RULES AND REGULATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 75-74-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

75-74-9. (1) The State Board of Health shall have the authority and the duty to make and promulgate rules and regulations consistent with the policy and purpose of this chapter, and to amend any rule or regulation it makes. In developing such rules and regulations, the board shall consult with appropriate public and private officials and organizations and parents and camp operators. It shall be the duty of the board to advise all existing youth camps in this state of this chapter and any rules and regulations promulgated under this chapter.

(2) There is created within the State Board of Health the advisory council on youth camp safety to advise and consult on policy matters relating to youth camp safety * * *. The council consists of the health officer or his representative * * * and a minimum of eight (8) members appointed by the State Health Officer, including the following groups: one (1) member representative each from a private nonsectarian camp, a church-related or sponsored camp, the Girl Scouts of * * * America, the Boy Scouts of America, * * * the Mississippi Camping Association, camps for the handicapped and civic organization camps; and a consumer, a parent or an older youth with prior camping experience * * *. A member is entitled to hold office for two (2) years or until his successor is appointed and qualifies. The State Health Officer or his representative shall fill vacancies for unexpired terms. Council members serve without compensation, but are entitled to be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The State Health Officer may appoint special advisory or technical experts and consultants as are necessary to assist the council in carrying out its functions.

(3) No rule or regulation promulgated or amended by the board under this chapter shall be effective until a public hearing is held thereon * * *. Notice of a public hearing, including the time, date and location of the hearing and the substance of the proposed rule, regulation or amendment, shall be given by the board to each licensee of a youth camp and the general public not less than ten (10) days nor more than thirty (30) days before the hearing. Any interested person may appear at the hearing to present evidence or testimony concerning the proposed rule, regulation or amendment.

SECTION 2. Section 75-74-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, which provides for a waiver of compliance with youth camp rules and regulations, is repealed.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.