GOVERNMENT BILL 33

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

An act TO SIMPLIFY CERTAIN PORTIONS OF THE STATUTES GOVERNING APPROPRIATIONS

WHEREAS,   certain regulations governing the appropriations process are complicated and are causing confusion among organizations applying for funding; and,

WHEREAS,   in addition, the current Appropriations Committee membership restriction is too stringent and limits the ability to expand overall committee membership; and,

WHEREAS,   the intent behind both of these regulations can be equally well-served by alternative means; now, therefore be it

ENACTED,    by the North Carolina State University Student Senate that:

Section 1.        Statutory Authority.  This bill is adopted pursuant to the provisions of Article II, Sections 5(d) and 5(e) of the Student Body Constitution, and Chapter 2, Rule 17(b)(3) of the Student Body Statutes.

Section 2.        Student Body Statutes §5-2.9 shall be stricken and amended as follows:

                        §5-2.9. Fall-Spring Appropriations Division.

(a)    For fall appropriations, organization activities must take place after the tenth (10th) class day in the fall, but prior to spring break the following semester.

(b)    For spring appropriations, organization activities must take place after the tenth (10th) class day in the spring, but prior to fall break the following semester. When considering funding early fall events during the spring, the committee shall take steps to ensure the organization has viable continuity beyond the academic year.

(c)    In cases where an event is eligible for multiple sessions of appropriations, the committee shall fund it in the earlier session only if there is a clear need for expedience.

(d)    When considering funding for groups that have received funding in the previous semester, the Appropriations Committee shall take steps to ensure that the previously issued funds have been properly accounted for, if not returned.

(e)    In cases where an activity falls after the cut-off date, it may be considered, at the committee's discretion, in the earlier semester if the group provides documentation that failure to receive funding in the earlier semester will make the activity impossible.

§5-2.9. Fall-Spring Appropriations Restriction

(a)    Organization activities must take place within two (2) semesters (including Summer) following the semester in which appropriations funding is allocated.  However, when considering funding events that take place more than one semester in the future, the Appropriations Committee shall ensure the organization has viable continuity before approving funding.

(b)   Organizations may not receive multiple appropriations for the same activity in any given year.

Section 3.        Student Body Statutes Chapter 2, Rule 12 shall be amended as follows:

(a) Committee on Appropriations.  The Committee on Appropriations shall ensure a fair distribution of Student Body Funds to registered student organizations.  The committee shall execute the process of student organization appropriations as defined by statute (SBS §5-2). The Committee on Appropriations shall be comprised of at least seven (7) senators, and the Student Body Treasurer, non-voting ex-officio.  All members of the Committee on Appropriations shall be Senators representing one of the several colleges, schools, or recognized programs and at no time shall be comprised of, excluding the Chair, more than two (2) members of any given college, school, or recognized program Senate delegation.  At no time shall the members of any given college, school or recognized program Senate delegation, excluding the Chair, constitute more than 40% of the total Committee membership.

Section 4.        This act shall be effective upon its enrollment.