Creates the "New York state civil war 150th anniversary commemoration commission"

Title of bill

An act to create a temporary New York state civil war 150th anniversary commemoration commission; and providing for the repeal of such provisions

Purpose or general idea of bill

To establish a New York state civil war 150th anniversary commemoration commission to promote the 150th anniversary of the American civil war which will take place between the years 2011 and 2015.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1: Legislative findings that the creation of a commemoration commissions is necessary to coordinate and facilitate such an event.

Section 2: Creates and defines the commission, which will consist of 14 members. One member will be the commissioner of the department of parks, recreation and historic preservation (or their assigned representative); the commissioner of the department of education (or their assigned representative); the commissioner of the department of economic development (or their assigned representative); three people appointed by the governor; three people appointed by the temporary president of the senate; three people appointed by the speaker of the assembly; one person appointed by the senate minority leader; and one person appointed by the assembly minority leader. Members of the commission won't be compensated for their service, but will be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

Section 3: Lays out the powers and duties of the commission. These powers include (a) coordinating the commemoration; (b) planning and executing civil war reenactment tourism events; (c) promoting civil war educational studies in K-12 public schools; and (d) designing medallions to be issued exclusively to the re-enactors participating in the commemoration events.

Section 4: Provides that the commission may employ personnel as it deems necessary; may hold public or private hearings; and shall have all the powers of legislative committee.

Section 5: Provides that the commission may request assistance and data as it deems necessary for the proper execution of its powers and duties from the state or any subdivision thereof.

Section 6: Provides that the commission may enter agreements and do and perform any acts that may be necessary, desirable, or proper to carry out the purposes and objectives of the act.

Section 7: Provides an expiration date of December 31, 2015, at which point this act will be repealed and the commission will cease to exist.

Section 8: Effective date

Justification

The 150th anniversary of the civil war is an important milestone for our state and nation. The commemoration of this milestone is a time to reflect on and celebrate the brave men and women who lost their lives fighting for the American ideals of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for all. The commission this bill would establish will allow New York to organize commemorative events, educate our schoolchildren, and encourage tourism from around the country and the world.

Prior legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

Immediately.