KRS 7.200: Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity. (Effective until

January 1, 2027)

(1) The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity is hereby established within

the legislative department of state government. The purpose of the commission

shall be to conduct studies and research on issues where disparities may exist across

the sectors of educational equity, child welfare, health, economic opportunity,

juvenile justice, criminal justice, and any other sectors that are deemed relevant in

an effort to identify areas of improvement in providing services and opportunities

for minority communities.

(2) The commission shall be composed of the following thirteen (13) members:

(a) One (1) member appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of

the House of Representatives from a list of three (3) names provided by the

Prosecutors Advisory Council;

(b) Four (4) members of the Senate, two (2) of whom shall be appointed by the

Senate President, and two (2) of whom shall be appointed by the Sena te

Minority Floor Leader;

(c) Four (4) members of the House of Representatives, two (2) of whom shall be

appointed by the Speaker of the House, and two (2) of whom shall be

appointed by the House Minority Floor Leader; and

(d) Four (4) members from the private and nonprofit sectors, universities, or local

governments who have expertise in social policy related to education, health,

economic development, or the law and who shall be appointed for up to two

(2) consecutive, three (3) year terms by the following:

1. One (1) shall be appointed by the Senate President;

2. One (1) shall be appointed by the Senate Minority Floor Leader;

3. One (1) shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House; and

4. One (1) shall be appointed by the House Minority Floor Leader.

(3) The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House shall each appoint one (1)

co-chair of the commission from among that chamber's members appointed to the

commission.

(4) Any vacancy which may occur in the membership of the commission shall be filled

by the appointing authority who made the original appointment.

(5) The commission shall have the authority to:

(a) Hold monthly meetings during the interim meeting period of the General

Assembly;

(b) Seek comment, testimony, documents, records, or other information from

various government agencies and organizations representing the public to

address existing and potential barriers to minority success and empowerment;

and

(c) Provide research-driven policy proposals and actionable items when areas of

improvement are identified.

(6) A majority of the entire membership of the commission shall constitute a quorum.

(7) The Legislative Research Commission shall have exclusive jurisdiction over th e

employment of personnel necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

(8) The commission shall publish and submit an annual report to the Legislative

Research Commission with recommendations on any potential legislative or

administrative actions with respect to their findings.

Effective: June 29, 2021