SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

SENATE, No. 404

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED: JANUARY 23, 1997

 

 

      The Senate State Government Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 404.

      This bill establishes an Advisory Commission on African-American Affairs to advise the Governor and the Legislature on the needs, concerns, accomplishments and contributions of New Jersey's African-Americans, and of the possible impact of legislation affecting the State's African-American community.

      The commission is to consist of 10 members: two members appointed by the President of the Senate from among the members thereof, not more than one of whom shall be of the same political party; two members appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly from among the members thereof, not more than one of whom shall be of the same political party; the Commissioner of Community Affairs, or the commissioner's designee; and five public members appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, who are residents of the State and who represent the African-American community within the State. Legislative members shall serve during their terms of office. Public members shall serve for a term of three years from the date of their appointment and until their successors are appointed and qualified.

      The legislation requires a subcommittee of five members of the commission, or the commission as a whole, to elicit input from the African-American community by visiting community centers, meeting with community leaders, attending and sponsoring community meetings and taking other similar actions.