MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Dearing

A RESOLUTION TO CREATE THE SENATE STORM WATER MANAGEMENT STUDY COMMITTEE; TO DIRECT THE STUDY COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVENUE OPTIONS FOR FUNDING STORM WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That a special study committee is created to make a comprehensive analysis of the potential impact of the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System storm water management requirements on the state and local governments. The study committee shall examine local government revenue options for funding storm water management systems, as defined in Senate Bill No. 3053, 2000 Regular Session.

The study committee shall consist of the following eight (8) members of the Senate: the Chairman of the Senate Environmental Protection, Conservation and Water Resources Committee and one (1) member of that committee appointed by the chairman; the Chairman of the Senate County Affairs Committee and one (1) member of that committee appointed by the chairman; the Chairman of the Senate Municipalities Committee and one (1) member of that committee appointed by the chairman; and the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and one (1) member of that committee appointed by the chairman. The study committee shall elect a chairman and a vice chairman from its membership.

After appointment of the members, the study committee shall meet on a date designated by the chairman of the study committee at the New Capitol to organize the study committee and establish rules for transacting its business and keeping records. A majority of the members of the study committee shall constitute a quorum at all study committee meetings. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members present and voting shall be required for actions taken by the study committee. All members of the study committee shall be notified in writing of all regular and special meetings of the study committee, which notices shall be mailed at least five (5) days before the dates of the meetings.

The study committee may establish any subcommittees that it deems desirable to analyze issues and report to the study committee with respect to any matter that is within the scope of this resolution.

The study committee shall make a written report of its findings and recommendations regarding local government revenue options for funding storm water management systems before February 1, 2001.

In carrying out this resolution, the study 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.

For attending meetings of the study committee, each member shall be paid, from the Senate Contingent Expense Fund, per diem compensation in the amount authorized by Section 25-3-69, Mississippi Code of 1972, and a mileage allowance and an expense allowance in the amount authorized by Section 5-1-47, Mississippi Code of 1972. However, no per diem compensation, mileage allowance or expense allowance shall be paid for attending meetings of the study committee while the Legislature is in session.

All expenses incurred by and on behalf of the study committee shall be paid from funds made available by the Senate Management Committee from the Senate Contingent Expense Fund, from any funds appropriated for the purpose of this resolution, and from any grants or contributions made to the study committee for its purpose.