Amendment ID: S2181-3

Amendment 3

Rural Policy Advisory Commission

Messrs. Hinds and Humason, Ms. Gobi, Messrs. Montigny and O'Connor move that the proposed new text be amended by adding the following section:-

SECTION XX. Chapter 23A of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out section 66, as appearing in the 2016 Official Edition, and inserting in place thereof the following section:-

Section 66. Rural policy advisory commission; members; powers and duties; meetings; annual report

(a) There shall be a rural policy advisory commission within, but not subject to the supervision or control of, the executive office of housing and economic development. The mission of the commission shall be to enhance the economic vitality of rural communities, defined as municipalities with population densities of less than 500 persons per square mile, and to advance the health and well-being of rural residents.

(b) The commission shall consist of the following 15 members: the speaker of the house of representative, ex officio, or a designee; the president of the senate, ex officio, or a designee; the secretary of housing and economic development, ex officio, or a designee; twelve persons to be appointed by the governor, one of whom shall be from the Berkshire regional planning commission, one of whom shall be from the Cape Cod commission, one of whom shall be from the central Massachusetts regional planning district commission, one of whom shall be from the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, one of whom shall be from the Martha’s Vineyard commission, one of whom shall be from the Montachusett regional planning commission, one of whom shall be from the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission, one of whom shall be from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and one of whom shall be from the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District. Commission members shall be persons with demonstrated interests and experience in advancing the interests of rural residents.

(c) Members of the commission shall be appointed to staggered three year terms, with the terms of five members expiring each year. Members shall serve terms of three years and until their successors are appointed. Vacancies in the membership of the commission shall be filled for the balance of an unexpired term. Members may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms or nine consecutive years. The commission shall elect from among its members a chair, vice chair, a treasurer, and any other officers it considers necessary. The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for any unusual and customary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Members shall be considered special state employees for the purposes of chapter 268A.

(d) The commission shall serve as a research body for issues critical to the welfare and vitality of rural communities and shall: (i) study, review and report on the status of rural communities and residents in the commonwealth; (ii) advise the general court and the executive branch of the impact of existing and proposed state laws, policies and regulations on rural communities; (iii) advance legislative and policy solutions that address rural needs; (iv) advocate to ensure that rural communities receive a fair share of state investment; (v) promote collaboration among rural communities to improve efficiency in delivery of services; and (vi) develop and support new leadership in rural communities. The executive office shall provide the commission with adequate office space and any research, analysis or other staff support that the commission reasonably requires.

(e) The commission shall meet on a quarterly basis at the discretion of the chair. Meeting locations shall rotate between the rural regions of Massachusetts. Meetings shall be open to the public pursuant to sections 18 to 25, inclusive, or chapter 30A.

(f) The commission may accept and solicit funds, including any gifts, donations, grants, or bequests or any federal funds for any of the purposes of this section. The funds shall be deposited in a separate account with the state treasurer, shall be received by the state treasurer on behalf of the commonwealth, and shall be expended by the commission under the law.

(g) The commission may request from all state agencies such information and assistance as the commission may require.