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1995 SESSION


CHAPTER 528
An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Title 9 a chapter numbered 43, consisting of sections numbered 9-334 and 9-335, relating to establishment of the Virginia Chesapeake Bay Partnership Council.
[H 2251]
Approved March 23, 1995

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Title 9 a chapter numbered 43, consisting of sections numbered 9-334 and 9-335, as follows:

CHAPTER 43.
VIRGINIA CHESAPEAKE BAY PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL.

§ 9-334. Virginia Chesapeake Bay Partnership Council established.

The Virginia Chesapeake Bay Partnership Council, referred to in this chapter as the Council, is hereby established as a permanent legislative agency of the Commonwealth. The Council's purpose is to advise the Governor, the Secretary of Natural Resources and the General Assembly regarding the coordination of Virginia's efforts in the regional Bay program, strategic planning for Bay restoration and implementation of Virginia's commitments.

In carrying out its duties, the Council shall assist in the coordination of timely and efficient implementation of Bay programs and commitments; review and help disseminate to the public information regarding the restoration progress; consult with Virginia's representatives to the interstate Chesapeake Bay Program; and help facilitate strategic partnerships with businesses, local governments, resource users, environmental and conservation organizations and citizens. The Council shall also nominate persons and organizations to receive the "Friend of the Bay Award" (§ 2.1-51.8:3). The Council shall have no regulatory authority to carry out its duties.

§ 9-335. Membership; terms; compensation.

The Council shall consist of nineteen members as follows: four citizen members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; four citizen members appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; four citizen members appointed by the Governor; and the chairmen of the House Chesapeake and its Tributaries Committee, the House Conservation and Natural Resources Committee, the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee and the Chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Commission Virginia delegation. The chairmen of the three standing committees of the legislature may select a member of their respective committees to serve in their place. Nonvoting ex officio members shall include a Virginia representative of the three standing advisory committees of the interstate Chesapeake Bay Program. Citizen members shall include representatives of the scientific and technical community, local government officials, representatives of environmental organizations specifically working on Chesapeake Bay matters, representatives of educational institutions and other interest groups. The Council shall elect a chairman from among its legislative members.

Citizen members shall serve for terms of four years. Legislative members' terms of service shall coincide with their term as chairmen of their respective committees. Any vacancies shall be filled by the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections, as appropriate. Citizen members shall receive no compensation for their service but shall receive reimbursement for actual expenses. The Council shall meet at the call of the chairman or at least three times per year.

Staffing for the Council shall be provided by the Division of Legislative Services. All agencies of the Commonwealth with responsibility for Chesapeake Bay-related programs shall assist the Council in its work and deliberations.