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1997 SESSION


CHAPTER 847
An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Title 30 a chapter numbered 11, consisting of sections numbered 30-85 through 30-88, relating to the Joint Commission on Technology and Science.
[H 2138]
Approved April 2, 1997

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Title 30 a chapter numbered 11, consisting of sections numbered 30-85 through 30-88, as follows:

CHAPTER 11.
JOINT COMMISSION ON TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE.

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

The Joint Commission on Technology and Science (the "Commission") is hereby established as a permanent legislative agency of the Commonwealth. The Commission 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 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;

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 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 Governor.

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

A. The Commission shall be composed of nine members, five of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates from the membership thereof and four of whom shall be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections from the membership of the Senate.

B. All appointments shall be for terms of four years. 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. The Commission shall annually elect a chairman and a vice chairman from among its membership.

C. Commission members shall receive compensation as provided in § 14.1-18 and shall be reimbursed from funds appropriated or otherwise available to the Commission for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

§ 30-87. Staff; cooperation and assistance.

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

§ 30-88. Advisory committees.

The Commission may establish advisory committees composed of persons with expertise in the matters under consideration by the Commission. Such persons shall serve without compensation, but shall be entitled to be reimbursed from funds appropriated or otherwise available to the Commission for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.