OFFICE OF PROTOCOL/MICH.-CAN. TRADE - S.B. 110 & 111: COMMITTEE SUMMARY
Senate Bills 110 and 111 (as introduced 2-6-01)
Sponsor: Senator Bill Schuette
Committee: Economic Development, International Trade and Regulatory Affairs
CONTENT
Senate Bills 110 and 111 propose two new acts to create the "Office of Protocol" and the "Michigan-Canada Advisory Commission". Senate Bill 111 is tie-barred to Senate Bill 110.
Senate Bill 110
The bill would create the Office of Protocol within the executive office of the Governor. The chief protocol officer would be the executive director of the Office of Protocol. The Governor could appoint the chief protocol officer, who would serve at the Governor's pleasure and would be exempt from the Classified State Civil Service.
The chief protocol officer would be responsible for coordinating visits of foreign dignitaries to Michigan and otherwise assisting the Governor in establishing positive relations with foreign governments.
Senate Bill 111
The bill would create the Michigan-Canada Advisory Commission within the executive office of the Governor. The Commission would have to advise the Governor on how to further the relations between the State and Canada, and would have to report annually to the Legislature on the status of relations between Michigan and Canada.
The Commission would consist of the following members:
-- The Directors of the Departments of State Police, Environmental Quality, Natural Resources, Transportation, Agriculture, and Consumer and Industry Services.
-- The Commissioner of the Office of Financial and Insurance Services.
-- The Attorney General.
-- The Secretary of State.
-- The chief protocol officer, proposed by Senate Bill 110.
-- One person appointed by the Governor from a list of at least two people supplied by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
-- One person appointed by the Governor from a list of at least two people supplied by the Senate Majority Leader.
-- Three people appointed by the Governor.
Members would serve for two-year terms or until a successor was appointed. A vacancy would have to be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment. The Governor could remove a Commission member for incompetency; dereliction of duty; malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance in office; or any other good cause.
The Commission would have to comply with the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act.
Commission members would serve without compensation, but could be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties as Commission members.
- Legislative Analyst: P. Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
Senate Bill 110
Pursuant to Article XI, Section 5 of the Michigan Constitution, the Office of the Governor is limited to eight positions that are exempt from Civil Service. These eight positions are currently funded and filled. In addition, the Office of Protocol currently exists within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which has an FY 2000-01 budget of approximately $100,000. This $100,000 includes funding for a limited term classified protocol officer position.
Senate Bill 111
The bill would result in minimal costs related to reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses of Commission members.
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- Fiscal Analyst: B. Bowerman
- M. Tyszkiewicz
S0102\s110sa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.