Chapter 1048 Oregon Laws 1999

Session Law

 

AN ACT

 

SB 1320

 

Relating to the administration of natural resources policy; and appropriating money.

 

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

 

      SECTION 1. (1) As used in this section and sections 2 and 3 of this 1999 Act, "appointing authority" means the President and Minority Leader of the Senate and the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

      (2) The appointing authority shall select the Natural Resources Policy Administrator by unanimous agreement. The administrator shall serve at the pleasure and under the direction of the appointing authority.

      SECTION 2. Subject to the procedures and priorities determined by the appointing authority, the Natural Resources Policy Administrator shall:

      (1) Upon written request of a member or committee of the Legislative Assembly, prepare or assist in the preparation of studies and reports and provide information and research assistance on matters relating to the natural resources of this state and to any other relevant matters.

      (2) Ascertain facts concerning the natural resources of this state.

      (3) Make recommendations to the Legislative Assembly concerning the natural resources policy of this state.

      (4) Prepare analyses of the effect of all natural resources measures before the Legislative Assembly and of all other measures affecting the natural resources of this state.

      (5) Assist in the preparation of measures affecting the natural resources of this state.

      (6) Perform such duties as may be directed by joint or concurrent resolution of the Legislative Assembly.

      (7) Adopt rules relating to the submission, processing and priorities of requests. Rules adopted under this subsection shall be in conformance with any applicable rules of the House of Representatives or the Senate.

      (8) Seek the advice and assistance of political subdivisions of this state, governmental agencies and any interested persons, associations or organizations in the performance of the duties of the administrator.

      (9) Enter into contracts to carry out the functions of the administrator.

      (10) Provide information to the public about legislative action concerning the natural resources of this state.

      SECTION 3. (1) Subject to the approval of the appointing authority, the Natural Resources Policy Administrator may employ and fix the compensation of such professional assistants and clerical and other employees as the administrator finds necessary for the effective conduct of the work under the charge of the administrator.

      (2) The appointing authority shall fix the salary of the administrator.

      (3) Subject to the limitations otherwise provided by law for expenses of state officers, the administrator and members of the staff of the administrator shall be reimbursed for all actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing their duties.

      SECTION 4. (1) Neither the Natural Resources Policy Administrator nor an employee of the administrator may reveal to a person not an employee of the administrator the contents or nature of a matter before the administrator in the official capacity of the administrator, if the person who brings the matter before the administrator designates the matter as confidential.

      (2) Neither the administrator nor an employee of the administrator may oppose, urge or attempt to influence legislation.

      SECTION 5. In addition to and not in lieu of other appropriation, there is appropriated to the Legislative Assembly, out of the General Fund, for the biennium beginning July 1, 1999, the sum of $244,000 for carrying out the purposes of sections 1 to 4 of this 1999 Act.

 

Approved by the Governor September 1, 1999

 

Filed in the office of Secretary of State September 1, 1999

 

Effective date October 23, 1999

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