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2000 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 285
Establishing a commission to study the feasibility and appropriateness of creating public-private partnerships for the operation of nonstate museums and other educational and cultural entities.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 15, 2000
Agreed to by the Senate, March 8, 2000

WHEREAS, museums are recognized today not only as cultural and educational institutions, but also as catalysts for economic growth; and

WHEREAS, whether created by governments or private entities, museums and other cultural institutions operate as nonprofit enterprises, relying on public and private funding to support their cultural and educational missions; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth boasts over 400 history, science, art, and children's museums; and

WHEREAS, these museums, whether operated by government or private entities, enhance educational opportunities for all Virginians, promote community growth and economic development, and enrich the overall quality of life for citizens throughout Virginia; and

WHEREAS, while the diverse collections of Virginia's nonstate institutions may include historic artifacts, artistic treasures or wildlife, the missions of these institutions are linked by an unfailing commitment to education, economic development, and community service; and

WHEREAS, continued access to and excellence in the arts and education are contingent upon the availability of adequate and stable funding for nonstate educational and cultural institutions; and

WHEREAS, the development of consistent, equitable funding for nonstate educational museums will enhance the ability of these institutions to continue and fulfill their missions of service, education and development; and

WHEREAS, to meet pressing fiscal challenges, some states have turned to innovative models for the funding and operation of these educational and cultural entities, exploring public-private partnerships, designated revenue sources, and other mechanisms to sustain these organizations; and

WHEREAS, while a joint legislative study committee examined Virginia's educational museums and the appropriate level of public funding for these institutions pursuant to House Joint Resolution No. 453 (1993), House Joint Resolution No. 75 (1994), and House Joint Resolution No. 430 (1995), additional study is needed to explore those innovative partnerships that have been employed in other states; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That a commission be established to study the feasibility and appropriateness of creating public-private partnerships for the operation of nonstate museums and other educational and cultural entities in the Commonwealth. In conducting its study, the commission shall examine public-private partnerships in other states; the feasibility and appropriateness of implementing any such partnerships in the Commonwealth on a pilot project basis; current state and nonstate museum funding and operational practices; and such other issues as it deems appropriate.

The commission shall be composed of 10 members as follows: 5 members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House, in accordance with the principles of Rule 16 of the Rules of the House of Delegates; 3 members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; and 2 nonlegislative citizen members, one each to be appointed by the Speaker of the House and by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $11,000.

The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the study. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the commission, upon request.

The commission shall complete its work in time to submit its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2001 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.