(1) The Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission, a commission as defined in s. 20.03(10), is created adjunct to the Department of State for the express purpose of ensuring a suitable statewide observance of the centennial of women’s suffrage in 2020. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the commission shall operate in a manner consistent with s. 20.052.

(2) The commission is composed of the following members:

(a) The chair of the commission, appointed by the Governor.

(b) The Secretary of State, or his or her designee.

(c) The director of the Division of Historical Resources of the Department of State.

(d) Two members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate.

(e) Two members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(f) A women’s history scholar from a postsecondary educational institution in this state, appointed by the Governor.

(g) A member of the Florida Historical Commission, appointed by the Governor.

(h) Four members of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, appointed by the Governor.

(i) A member of the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame, appointed by the Governor.

(j) A representative of the League of Women Voters of Florida, appointed by the Governor.

(k) A historian, appointed by the Governor.

(l) A representative of the National Council of Negro Women, appointed by the Governor.

(m) Two citizen members, appointed by the Governor.

(3) Appointed members of the commission shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority, and any vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the initial appointment. The commission may meet as often as it deems necessary to fulfill the duties prescribed in this section.

(4) In ensuring a suitable statewide observance of the centennial of the passage and ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, the commission has the following duties:

(a) Advise on the development of programs and activities appropriate to commemorate the centennial of women’s suffrage, and encourage the development of such programs and activities to ensure that the commemoration results in a positive legacy and has long-term benefits.

(b) Facilitate the observance of women’s suffrage-related activities throughout the state.

(c) Encourage civic, historical, educational, economic, and other organizations throughout the state to organize and participate in activities to expand the understanding and appreciation of women’s suffrage while also recognizing the racial disparities that interfered with the exercise of the right to vote by women of color upon the enfranchisement of women.

(d) Coordinate and facilitate the public distribution of scholarly research, publication, and interpretation of women’s suffrage.

(e) Coordinate with the Department of Education regarding the manner in which the centennial of women’s suffrage will be commemorated in the state’s public secondary schools.

(f) Assist the Department of State in developing a statewide public awareness campaign on the centennial of women’s suffrage through such means as, but not limited to, public service announcements, outdoor advertising, and a website.

(g) Encourage local organizations and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration of the centennial of women’s suffrage.

(5) The commission may establish a youth working group to advise and provide recommendations to the commission in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities. Members of the youth working group shall serve on a volunteer basis and must be residents of this state between 15 and 30 years of age who identify as women and demonstrate an interest in history. The chair of the commission shall appoint members of the working group upon review of applications.

(6) The Division of Historical Resources of the Department of State shall provide administrative and staff support for the commission.

(7) This section expires December 31, 2020.

History.—s. 1, ch. 2019-62.