The Florida Senate

14.27  Florida Commission on African-American Affairs.--

(1)  There is established in the Executive Office of the Governor the Florida Commission on African-American Affairs. The commission shall consist of 15 members appointed by the Governor. Members shall be of African-American origin; shall be professionally, socially, and economically diverse; and shall be representative of the geographic regions of the state. Each member shall serve a term of 4 years; however, for the purpose of providing staggered terms, of the initial appointments, seven members shall be appointed to a 2-year term and eight members shall be appointed to a 4-year term. Any vacancy on the commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, and any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring because of death, resignation, or ineligibility for membership shall serve only for the unexpired term of the member's predecessor. The Governor shall appoint the chair from among the members of the commission.

(2)  The commission shall meet at least once each quarter. All meetings are subject to the call of the chair. Eight members shall constitute a quorum.

(3)  Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses pursuant to s. 112.061. The Executive Office of the Governor shall provide staff and facilities for the commission.

(4)  It shall be the role of the commission to develop specific strategies and plans to address the economic, social, educational, health, and welfare needs of African Americans in the state. Pursuant thereto, the commission's duties shall include, but not be limited to:

(a)  Studying the changing and developing roles of African Americans in American society. The study shall be ongoing, with reports submitted periodically as needed with the annual report submitted to the Governor under paragraph (b), and shall include, but not be limited to, the following areas:

1.  The socioeconomic factors that influence the status of African Americans.

2.  The encouragement of African Americans to utilize their existing resources and abilities to strive for leadership roles.

3.  The coordination of efforts of numerous African-American organizations interested in the welfare of African Americans.

4.  The identification and recognition of contributions made by African Americans to the community, state, and nation.

(b)  Submitting an annual report to the Governor on the status of African Americans in the state which includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of the following areas: education, economic development, criminal justice, housing, and health.

(c)  Reviewing state agency functional plans, legislative budget requests, and the master plans and policies of the State Board of Education, other educational boards, panels, and commissions appointed by the Governor, and local school boards for their impact on African Americans.

(d)  Reviewing various judicial matters that are affecting African Americans.

(e)  Reviewing past and current legislation that may have a significant impact on African Americans.

(f)  Examining any other issues relevant to African Americans that are presented by the Governor or that are a result of findings made by the commission.

(5)  The commission shall analyze the responsiveness of state government to the needs of the state's African-American citizens and the appropriateness of that response and may submit a plan for any recommended restructuring and change to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives at any time it deems appropriate.

(6)  All executive branch state agencies are hereby instructed, and all other state agencies are hereby requested, to aid and assist the commission in any way that helps it accomplish its purposes.

(7)  The commission may apply for and accept funds, grants, gifts, and services from the state, the Federal Government or any of its agencies, or any other public or private source for the purpose of defraying clerical and administrative costs as may be necessary in carrying out its duties under this section.

History.--ss. 1, 2, ch. 93-138.