N.Y. Legislative Law § 83-i: Legislative commission on the development of rural resources

* § 83-i. Legislative commission on the development of rural

resources. 1. The legislature hereby finds and declares that the

economic and social well-being of the people of the state is clearly

related to the state's rural resources. The rural economy and

environment contribute greatly to the quality and maintenance of life in

New York state. Rural areas offer an important alternative to urban

living. Agriculture, forestry, mineral extractions, tourism and

recreation in rural areas constitute much of New York's agricultural

base. New York's indispensable rural resources are decentralized,

diverse and unique, and their enhancement and protection require special

attention in view of their special characterization and needs. The

legislature further finds that a commission is necessary to review and

reassess state policies and programs and their impact upon rural

resources and to make recommendations thereon to promote the enhancement

and protection of such resources.

2. A legislative commission on the development of rural resources is

hereby established (a) to examine the impact of rural resources upon the

state's economy; (b) to review existing laws and regulations as they

pertain to rural resources; (c) to assess the effect of state policies

generally on rural areas; (d) to reassess the effectiveness of programs

specifically addressed to rural resource needs and problems, such as

agricultural districting, agricultural product promotion, maintenance of

agricultural land, forest management, tax exemptions for agricultural

and forest land, oil and gas regulation, and tourism and recreation; and

(e) to make such recommendations to the legislature for action as it

determines necessary for the enhancement and protection of the state's

rural resources.

3. The commission shall consist of ten members to be appointed as

follows: three members of the senate shall be appointed by the temporary

president of the senate; three members of the assembly shall be

appointed by the speaker of the assembly; two members of the senate

shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate; and two members

of the assembly shall be appointed by the minority leader of the

assembly. From among the members as appointed, a senate chairman and an

assembly chairman shall be appointed jointly by the temporary president

of the senate and the speaker of the assembly. Any vacancy that occurs

in the chairmanships or other membership of the commission shall be

filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made. No

member, officer, or employee of the commission shall be disqualified

from holding any other public office or employment, nor shall he forfeit

any such office or employment by reason of his appointment hereunder,

notwithstanding the provisions of any general, special or local law,

ordinance, or city charter.

4. The commission may employ and at pleasure remove such personnel as

it may deem necessary for the performance of the commission's functions

and fix their compensation within the amount appropriated therefor. The

commission may hold public and private hearings, and otherwise have all

of the powers of a legislative committee under this chapter. The members

of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services,

except as provided pursuant to section five-a of this chapter, but shall

be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the

performance of their duties hereunder.

5. Employees of the commission shall be considered to be employees of

the legislature for all purposes.

6. The commission may request and shall receive from any court,

department, division, board, or bureau, commission, or agency of the

state such assistance and data as will enable the commission properly to

carry out its powers and duties hereunder.

7. The commission is hereby authorized and empowered to make and sign

any agreements, and to do and perform any acts that may be necessary,

desirable or proper to carry out the purpose and objectives of this

section.

* NB Repealed June 30, 2027