FIRST REGULAR SESSION
93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE BLAND.
Read 1st time January 20, 2005 and copies ordered printed.
STEPHEN S. DAVIS, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To amend chapter 26, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the emancipation day commission.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Chapter 26, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 26.430, to read as follows:
26.430. 1. There is hereby created within the department of economic development a state commission to be known as the "Emancipation Day Commission". The purpose of the commission shall be to establish a statewide historical monument designating the nineteenth of June or Juneteenth as "Emancipation Day"; to educate the citizens of Missouri on the legacy and contributions made by African Americans to the state of Missouri and the United States; and to establish a statewide Juneteenth Heritage and Jazz Festival which shall recognize the economic and cultural values associated with African Americans.
2. The commission shall consist of nine members, who shall be appointed by February 1, 2006. The governor shall appoint a chairperson from the members of the commission. The members of the commission shall include:
(1) One member of the senate, to be appointed by the president pro tempore of the senate;
(2) One member of the house of representatives, to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
(3) The director of the department of economic development, or the director's designee;
(4) The director of the department of natural resources, or the director's designee;
(5) The commissioner of the department of elementary and secondary education, or the commissioner's designee; and
(6) Four members, to be appointed by the governor, who demonstrate experience in matters relating to economic development, who have a knowledge of African American culture, history, and heritage, and who are influential within their communities.
3. Of the members first appointed to the commission by the governor, two shall serve a term of three years and two shall serve a term of two years, and thereafter members appointed by the governor shall serve for a term of three years. Other members, except legislative members, shall serve for as long as they hold the position which made them eligible for appointment. Legislative members shall serve during their current term of office but may be reappointed.
4. The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their service on the commission, but shall be reimbursed for ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as a member of the commission.
5. The departments of economic development, natural resources, and elementary and secondary education shall provide administrative support as necessary to assist in the performance of the commission's duties.
6. The commission, in consultation with the departments of economic development, natural resources, and elementary and secondary education shall be responsible for all activities relating to events and monuments associated with the Emancipation Day Celebration.