HB2555 H GO AM 3-10
B. Thompson 3192

The Committee on Government Organization moved to amend the bill on page one, by striking out everything after the enacting clause and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
ARTICLE 13. WEST VIRGINIA SESQUICENTENNIAL OF THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR COMMISSION AND FUND.
§4-13-1. Findings; West Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission established; purpose.

(a) The Legislature finds that the role of West Virginia, its creation as a state, and the roles of individual West Virginians in the American Civil War, from the time of John Brown's Raid through the formation of the State of West Virginia and the conclusion of the American Civil War, are of such historical significance as to warrant their commemoration.
(b) There is hereby created the West Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission.
(c) The purpose of the commission is to prepare for and commemorate the sesquicentennial of West Virginia's participation in the American Civil War.
§4-13-2. Membership; terms; filling vacancies; election of chair and vice-chair.

(a) The Governor shall appoint eleven members as follows:

(1) Three academic historians;
(2) One American Civil War reenactor;
(3) One representative of the Division of Culture and History;
(4) One representative of the Division of Tourism; and
(5) Five citizens members, no more than one of whom may be from any one state senatorial district.
(b) The members shall serve until July 1, 2021.
(c) Appointments to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.
(d) The commission shall elect a chair and a vice-chair from among its members.
§4-13-3. Expense reimbursement.
(a) Members shall serve without compensation.
(b) The commission may reimburse members for all reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred in the performance of his or her duties as a commission member, in a manner consistent with the guidelines of the travel management office of the Department of Administration.
 §4-13-4. Quorum; meetings.
(a) A simple majority of the members serving on the board at a given time constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.
 (b) Meetings shall be held in accordance with the provisions of article nine-a, chapter six of this code.
§4-13-5. Advisory council.
The commission may establish an advisory council composed of citizens at large who have knowledge of American Civil War history and interest in its sesquicentennial celebration, to assist the commission in its work.
§4-13-6. Powers; duties; limitation on duration of contracts.
(a) The commission may:
(1) Solicit, accept, use and dispose of gifts, grants, donations, bequests or other funds or real or personal property for the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the commission;
(2) Procure supplies, services and property, and make or enter into contracts, leases or other legal agreement as necessary to carry out its duties: Provided, That no contract, lease or other legal agreement may be entered into by the commission with terms which would extend beyond the termination date of the commission;
 (3) Plan, develop and carry out programs and activities appropriate to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War;
(4) Encourage civic, historical, educational, economic and other organizations throughout West Virginia to organize and participate in activities to expand the understanding and appreciation of the American Civil War ;
(5) Provide technical assistance to localities and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War;
(6) Develop programs and facilities to ensure that the sesquicentennial commemoration of the American Civil War result in a positive legacy and long-term public benefit;
(7) Encourage the development and conduct of programs designed to involve all citizens in activities that commemorate the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War; and
(8) Focus its activities on the role of West Virginia and its creation as a state and the roles of individual West Virginians in the American Civil War.
(b) The commission shall report to the Legislature at each regular session and at the same time report to the Governor concerning the action taken by the commission during the previous year in carrying out the provisions of this article and make such special reports as may be required by the Legislature and Governor.
§4-13-7. West Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission Fund established.
Effective July 1, 2010, there is created an account within the State Treasury to be known as the West Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission Fund which shall consist of gifts, grants, donations, bequests or other funds from any source as may be received by the commission for its work.
 §4-13-8. Termination of the commission.
The commission shall terminate on June 30, 2021.