Create Social Innovation Task Force

Section 1. (a) A task force on social innovation, entrepreneurship and enterprise is hereby established to examine, evaluate and make recommendations concerning the means and methods to strengthen the capacity of the state to (i) work cooperatively to create, scale and sustain innovative social programs; (ii) work cooperatively to support emerging socially responsible businesses, advance existing socially responsible businesses and sustain innovative social programs; (iii) build the capacity of not-for-profit entities and governments to pursue entrepreneurial ventures; (iv) provide greater opportunities for social enterprise ventures; and (v) attract funding to the state for the support of such ventures.

(a-1) For purposes of this act social innovation means the process of developing and deploying effective solutions to challenging and often systemic social and environmental issues in support of social progress.

(b) In addition, the task force shall have the following duties:

(i) to gather information on social innovation, entrepreneurship and social enterprise;

(ii) to receive and consider reports and testimony from individuals, public officials, community-based organizations, not-for-profit organizations, faith-based organizations and other public and private entities relating to how social innovation and entrepreneurship may acceler-

EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets

[ ] is old law to be omitted.

LBD05460-03-9

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ate progress on social issues, work across social sectors, and advance social and economic development goals;

(iii) to identify promising strategies that have been implemented in other communities and states to encourage cross-sector collaboration on social issues;

(iv) to identify promising strategies to educate and train the public, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and businesses on entrepreneurial concepts as applied in the social sector;

(v) to designate a suitable organization to facilitate research and development; and

(vi) to develop a statewide comprehensive strategic plan relating thereto.

§ 2. (a) The task force shall be composed of 11 members, as follows:

(i) the commissioner of temporary and disability assistance, or his or her designee, who shall be the chair of the task force;

(ii) the commissioner of children and family services, or his or her designee; and

(iii) three members appointed by the governor, three members appointed by the senate majority leader, and three members appointed by the speaker of the assembly, who shall be broadly representative of the diversity of the state, and shall include the following:

(A) two persons who are officers of not-for-profit corporations that operate at least one social enterprise;

(B) one representative of a statewide or regional not-for-profit management support organization;

(C) one representative of a university which has an established record in promoting social entrepreneurship or tracking the economic impact of social sector issues;

(D) two representatives of private sector businesses that have a strong commitment to their communities and have a record of supporting social entrepreneurship;

(E) one representative of a charitable organization with an established record of funding social entrepreneurs; and

(F) two persons having such experience and expertise as would be valuable to the task force.

(b) The task force shall convene at such times and places as the chair shall determine. Vacancies in the membership of the task force shall be filled in the manner provided for the original appointment of such member.

§ 3. The task force may meet within and without the state, shall hold public hearings and shall have all the powers of a legislative committee pursuant to the legislative law.

§ 4. The members of the task force shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties pursuant to this act.

§ 5. To the maximum extent feasible, the task force shall be entitled to request and receive, and shall utilize such facilities, resources and data of any court, department, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the state or any political subdivision thereof as it may reasonably request.

§ 6. The provisions of articles 6 and 7 of the public officers law shall apply to all records, meetings and proceedings of the task force.

§ 7. The task force shall make reports to the governor, the legislature and the public, within 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after the effective date of this act, of its findings, conclusions and recommenda-

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tions, and shall submit with its reports such legislative and regulatory proposals as it deems necessary to implement its recommendations.

§ 8. This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed repealed 2 years after such date.