House Bill 1438

AN ACT TO CREATE THE COMMISSION ON CIVICS EDUCATION; TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO ASSESS THE GENERAL UNDERSTANDING OF CITIZENS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF THE DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF CITIZENSHIP AND STATE AND LOCAL CIVIC AFFAIRS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE COMMISSION; TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE OUTLINING ITS FINDINGS AND MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS ON MEASURES THAT MAY BE TAKEN TO IMPROVE CIVICS KNOWLEDGE BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2008; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) There is created the Commission on Civics Education. The commission shall assess the level of understanding of citizens throughout the state of the duties and rights of citizenship, as well as their general knowledge of state and local civic affairs. Based upon its findings, the commission shall prepare a report making recommendations on specific measures that can be taken to improve the overall knowledge of civic matters of citizens throughout the state. The report, along with any recommended legislation, must be submitted to the Legislature before January 1, 2008.

(2) The Commission on Civics Education shall be comprised of three (3) members. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lieutenant Governor and Governor shall each appoint (1) resident of the state, with due regard for broad geographic representation, to serve on the commission. The commission shall select one (1) member to serve as chairperson of the commission, and two (2) members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business. Members of the commission may not be compensated for the performance of their duties except from any funds that are specifically available for that purpose.

(3) Upon the submission of its report to the Legislature, the Commission on Civics Education shall be dissolved.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2007.