MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Little, Gordon, Huggins, Minor, Jordan, Dickerson, Walls, Jackson, Stogner, Williamson, Dearing, Hamilton, Carmichael, Burton, Frazier

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CREATING A JOINT STUDY AND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE POULTRY PRODUCTION INDUSTRY IN MISSISSIPPI AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS THEREON; TO DIRECT THE JOINT COMMITTEE TO MAKE A WRITTEN REPORT OF ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2000; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

WHEREAS, the production of poultry constitutes an important and significant portion of the state's economy and it is beneficial to the citizens of this state to protect the vitality of this enterprise:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That a Special Joint Study and Oversight Committee is created to Review the Poultry Production Industry in Mississippi and make recommendations thereon. The joint committee shall examine the status of poultry-growing arrangements and fair practices in Mississippi. The joint committee shall also monitor the use of funds provided by the 2000 Legislature to the Mississippi State University Cooperative Extension Service and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to supply poultry producers and processors with additional specialists and services. The joint committee shall be composed of twelve (12) members as follows: the Chairmen of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees, who shall serve as co-chairmen, the Chairmen of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker Pro Tempore of the House, two (2) Senators to be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, two (2) Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House, the Attorney General and the Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce.

Within fifteen (15) days after sine die adjournment of the 2000 Regular Session of the Legislature, the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker shall make necessary appointments of the committee. After the members are appointed, the joint committee shall meet on a date designated by the co-chairmen in Jackson, Mississippi, to select a vice chairman who shall serve as secretary of the joint committee, to organize the committee and establish rules for transacting its business and keeping records. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members shall be required in the adoption of rules, resolutions and reports. All members of the joint 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 joint 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 joint committee shall make a written report of its findings and recommendations, and shall mail copies of the report to each member of the Legislature not later than December 1, 2000. In carrying out the provisions of this resolution, the joint 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. In particular, the joint committee shall consult with the Mississippi State University Cooperative Extension Service and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory which shall cooperate with the committee and provide the committee with any information and other assistance requested by the committee. The joint committee may consult and seek advice from various groups in the state in order to understand the effect of any existing laws or any changes in law being considered by the committee.

For attending meetings of the joint committee, each legislative member shall be paid per diem compensation in the amount authorized by Section 25-3-69 and a mileage allowance and an expense allowance in the amount authorized by Section 5-1-47, to be paid from the contingent expense fund of the member's respective house. Nonlegislative members shall not receive per diem compensation but shall be entitled to expense reimbursement for any necessary travel. However, no per diem compensation, mileage allowance or expense allowance shall be paid for attending meetings of the joint 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 proper committee in the member's respective house.