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2005 SESSION


CHAPTER 322
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 30-85 through 30-88 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the Joint Commission on Technology and Science.
[H 2586]
Approved March 20, 2005
 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That §§ 30-85 through 30-88 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 30-85. Commission established; powers and duties.

The Joint Commission on Technology and Science (the "Commission" JCOTS) is hereby established as a permanent legislative agency of the Commonwealth. The Commission JCOTS shall generally study all aspects of technology and science and endeavor to stimulate, encourage, promote, and assist in the development of technology and science in the Commonwealth and sound public policies related thereto. In addition, the Commission JCOTS shall:

1. Evaluate the impact of existing statutes and proposed legislation related to technology and science in the Commonwealth;

2. Advise the General Assembly, Governor, and agencies, authorities, and institutions of the Commonwealth upon matters related to technology and science;

3. Investigate, research, and consider such issues related to technology and science as may be requested by the General Assembly or determined by the Commission JCOTS;

4. Make recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor;

5. Consult with appropriate entities, public or private, on matters related to technology and science under the Commission's JCOTS' consideration;

6. Encourage research and development in technology and science;

7. Solicit input from appropriate entities, public or private, on issues related to technology and science;

8. Coordinate its efforts with and assist the efforts of other agencies, authorities, and institutions of the Commonwealth;

9. Accept private or public funds to carry out its purposes; and

10. Annually report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor. JCOTS shall make such further interim reports to the General Assembly and the Governor as it deems advisable or as required by concurrent resolution of the General Assembly or by the Governor. The chairman of JCOTS shall submit to the General Assembly and the Governor an annual executive summary of the interim activity and work of JCOTS no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.

§ 30-86. Membership; terms; vacancies; chairman and vice chairman; expenses.

A. The Commission JCOTS shall be composed of twelve 12 members, seven of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates from the membership thereof, in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates, and five of whom shall be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections Rules from the membership of the Senate. Six members shall constitute a quorum.

B. Members shall serve for terms coincident with their terms of office. Members may be reappointed for successive terms. Vacancies occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term. Whenever any legislative member fails to retain his membership in the house from which he was appointed, he shall relinquish his membership on the Commission and the appointing authority who appointed such member shall make an appointment from his respective house to complete the term. Any member may be reappointed for successive terms. From among its membership, the Commission shall annually elect a chairman and a vice-chairman. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

C. Commission JCOTS members shall receive compensation as provided in § 30-19.12 and shall be reimbursed from funds appropriated or otherwise available to the Commission JCOTS for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825.

D. Five members of JCOTS shall constitute a quorum. At the first meeting following the adjournment sine die of the Regular Session in an even-numbered year, JCOTS shall elect a chairman and vice chairman from among its membership. A vacancy in either office shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner. Meetings of JCOTS shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever members constituting a quorum so request.

§ 30-87. Staff; cooperation and assistance.

Staff assistance shall be provided to the Commission by The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support to JCOTS. All agencies, authorities, and institutions of the Commonwealth shall cooperate and provide such assistance to the Commission as the Commission may JCOTS upon request.

§ 30-88. Advisory committees.

The Commission JCOTS may establish advisory committees composed of persons with expertise in the matters under consideration by the Commission JCOTS. Such persons shall serve without compensation, but shall be entitled to be reimbursed from funds appropriated or otherwise available to the Commission JCOTS for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825, unless they waive reimbursement.