(a) The General Assembly makes the following findings:

(1) The Georgia capitol is a unique national and state treasure;

(2) The United States government has recognized the capitol's significance by designating it a National Historic Landmark, the nation's highest level of recognition; and

(3) The Commission on the Preservation of the State Capitol would assist in the protection of this important state building by the development of a master plan for the state capitol, which would include the history of the building, its existing conditions, its evolution, and a plan for its future that would provide an integrated design. The Commission on the Preservation of the State Capitol could also encourage the making of gifts and grants to the capitol.

(b) For purposes of this Code section, the term "commission" means the Commission on the Preservation of the State Capitol created under subsection (c) of this Code section.

(c) The Commission on the Preservation of the State Capitol is created to advise the Governor and the Legislative Services Committee on matters relating to the preservation of the architectural and historical character of the state capitol.

(d) The commission shall consist of nine members, one of whom shall be the director of the Georgia Capitol Museum, four of whom shall be appointed by the Governor, two of whom shall be appointed by the President of the Senate, and two of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The members shall serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority. The commission shall also consist of the following four ex officio members:

(1) The Secretary of State;

(2) The executive director of the Georgia Building Authority;

(3) The executive director of the Georgia Council for the Arts; and

(4) The state historic preservation officer of the Department of Natural Resources.

(e) The commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) To develop a master plan for the Georgia state capitol;

(2) To make such other studies, reports, and recommendations as it deems advisable with respect to the restoration, rehabilitation, preservation, improvement, and utilization of the capitol buildings and grounds;

(3) To advise the Georgia Building Authority on the specialized maintenance needs of the capitol to assure continued preservation of historically and architecturally important spaces in the building;

(4) To advise the Georgia Building Authority in the development of plans and specifications for all projects which should be approved, such projects to be carried out as provided in the master plan, including assisting the authority in the selection of qualified architects engaged for these purposes;

(5) To provide, in concert with the Georgia Building Authority, the director of the Georgia Capitol Museum, and other agencies of the state, as appropriate, an interpretive program which explores the architectural, historic, artistic, social, political, and cultural themes associated with the capitol;

(6) To encourage the making of gifts and grants to the state to assist the commission in the performance of its powers, duties, and responsibilities and for the implementation of master plan projects or other recommendations of the commission as may be approved by the Governor and the General Assembly;

(7) To provide advice and guidance to the director of the Georgia Capitol Museum with respect to the care, conservation, and exhibition of the collections as may be housed in the capitol and to develop and promote additional exhibits to be displayed at the capitol from time to time when the General Assembly is not in session;

(8) To render such other advice and assistance as the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives may from time to time request; and

(9) To hire, staff, and develop an annual work program and budget for carrying out phases of the master plan.

(f) The commission shall be assigned to the office of the Governor for administrative purposes only and members shall receive the same per diem and expenses provided for state boards and commissions under Code Section 45-7-21.