- Perfected -

SCS/SB 1171 - This act codifies the Office of Homeland Security and the Missouri Security Council in statute, rather than by Executive Order as it currently exists. Further, the Office of Homeland Security and the Missouri Security Council shall terminate ninety days following the dissolution of the Federal Department of Homeland Security.

The act changes the name of the Joint Committee on Terrorism, Bioterrorism and Homeland Security to the "Joint Committee on Homeland Security". Further, the act requires that the Joint Committee on Homeland Security meet regularly, however, the committee must meet once annually. Current law requires a quarterly meeting of the committee.

The act establishes a joint committee on communications interoperability and efficiency. The membership of the committee shall be composed of five members of the house and five members of the senate. The charge of the committee is to analyze and make recommendations on the following areas:

1. To determine the need and feasibility of a state commission on communications interoperability and efficiency, and to establish the duties and membership of such commission;

2. To analyze how such commission may serve as an oversight body with the power of allocating state and federal communications funds to state entities; and

3. To analyze the feasibility of a single state telecommunications network plan for all public governmental bodies within the state.

Study groups comprised of interested parties may be established to aid in the committee's analysis and recommendations. The committee shall meet at least quarterly, the committee has the option to use legislative personnel to assist in the performance of its duties, and committee members shall serve without compensation.

A full report on the committee's activities is due no later than February 1, 2005 and January 15th each year thereafter and shall include any recommendations which the joint committee may have for legislative action as well as any recommendations for administrative or personnel changes in the internal management or organization of state government. Copies of the report shall be sent to the appropriate directors of state departments and agencies included in the report.

This act contains an emergency clause.

RICHARD MOORE