Senate Concurrent Resolution 518

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CREATING A JOINT STUDY COMMITTEE TO STUDY CRIMINAL CODE REFORM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

WHEREAS, the Legislature has determined that a study is needed for criminal code reform, classification of crimes and sentencing terms:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That there is hereby created a special joint study committee to study criminal code reform, classification of crimes and sentencing terms, and make recommendations concerning any changes that such committee finds necessary. The joint committee shall be composed of the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Chairman of the Senate Corrections Committee, three (3) members of the Senate to be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee En Banc, the Chairman of the House Penitentiary Committee, and three (3) members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House. The chairman of the joint committee shall be the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the vice chairman shall be the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee En Banc.

Within fifteen (15) days after sine die adjournment of the 2002 Regular Session of the Legislature, the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker shall appoint the members of the committee. After the members are appointed, the joint committee shall meet on a date designated by the chairman of the joint committee in Jackson, Mississippi, to organize the committee and establish rules for transacting its business and keeping records. A majority of the members of the joint committee from each house shall constitute a quorum at all committee meetings. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members from each house 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 January 5, 2003. Upon the filing of the written report, the joint committee shall be dissolved.

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 Judicial Advisory Study Committee Consulting Group on Criminal Code Revision. 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 member shall be paid from the contingent expense fund of the member's respective house, 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. 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.

All expenses incurred by and on behalf of the joint committee shall be paid from funds made available by the House Management Committee and the Senate Rules Committee from the contingent expense funds of the respective houses, from any funds appropriated for such purpose, and from any grants or contributions made to the committee for its purpose.