SF 1601

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 04/16/2013 08:37am

A bill for an act
relating to the legislature; creating a Legislative Water Commission; prescribing
its powers and duties; providing legislative appointments; proposing coding for
new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 3.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [3.886] LEGISLATIVE WATER COMMISSION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin A Legislative Water Commission is established.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The Legislative Water Commission consists of ten
members appointed as follows:
new text end

new text begin (1) five members of the senate with minority representation proportionate to
minority membership in the senate to be appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees
and to serve until their successors are appointed; and
new text end

new text begin (2) five members of the house of representatives with minority representation
proportionate to minority membership in the house to be appointed by the speaker of the
house and to serve until their successors are appointed.
new text end

new text begin (b) Vacancies must be filled in the same manner as the original positions.
new text end

new text begin (c) Vacancies occurring on the commission do not affect the authority of the remaining
members of the Legislative Water Commission to carry out the function of the commission.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Staff. new text end

new text begin The Legislative Water Commission may appoint and fix the
compensation of personnel and consultants necessary to enable the commission to carry
out its functions, or to contract for services to supply necessary data subject to the approval
of the Legislative Coordinating Commission under section 3.305. State employees subject
to civil service laws and rules who may be assigned to the commission shall retain civil
service status without interruption or loss of status or privilege.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Powers and duties. new text end

new text begin (a) The Legislative Water Commission shall review
water policy reports and recommendations of the Environmental Quality Board, the Board
of Water and Soil Resources, the Pollution Control Agency, the Department of Natural
Resources, and other water-related reports as may be required by law or the legislature.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commission shall oversee the activities of the Pollution Control Agency
under sections 116.16 to 116.181 relating to water pollution control.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commission may conduct public hearings and otherwise secure data and
comments.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commission shall make recommendations as it deems proper to assist the
legislature in formulating legislation.
new text end

new text begin (e) Data or information compiled by the Legislative Water Commission or its
subcommittees shall be made available to the Legislative Commission on Minnesota
Resources and standing and interim committees of the legislature on request of the chair
of the respective commission or committee.
new text end