* § 83-i. Legislative commission on the development of rural resources. 1. The legislature hereby finds and declares that the economic and social well-being of the people of the state is clearly related to the state's rural resources. The rural economy and environment contribute greatly to the quality and maintenance of life in New York state. Rural areas offer an important alternative to urban living. Agriculture, forestry, mineral extractions, tourism and recreation in rural areas constitute much of New York's agricultural base. New York's indispensable rural resources are decentralized, diverse and unique, and their enhancement and protection require special attention in view of their special characterization and needs. The legislature further finds that a commission is necessary to review and reassess state policies and programs and their impact upon rural resources and to make recommendations thereon to promote the enhancement and protection of such resources.

2. A legislative commission on the development of rural resources is hereby established (a) to examine the impact of rural resources upon the state's economy; (b) to review existing laws and regulations as they pertain to rural resources; (c) to assess the effect of state policies generally on rural areas; (d) to reassess the effectiveness of programs specifically addressed to rural resource needs and problems, such as agricultural districting, agricultural product promotion, maintenance of agricultural land, forest management, tax exemptions for agricultural and forest land, oil and gas regulation, and tourism and recreation; and (e) to make such recommendations to the legislature for action as it determines necessary for the enhancement and protection of the state's rural resources.

3. The commission shall consist of ten members to be appointed as follows: three members of the senate shall be appointed by the temporary president of the senate; three members of the assembly shall be appointed by the speaker of the assembly; two members of the senate shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate; and two members of the assembly shall be appointed by the minority leader of the assembly. From among the members as appointed, a senate chairman and an assembly chairman shall be appointed jointly by the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly. Any vacancy that occurs in the chairmanships or other membership of the commission shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made. No member, officer, or employee of the commission shall be disqualified from holding any other public office or employment, nor shall he forfeit any such office or employment by reason of his appointment hereunder, notwithstanding the provisions of any general, special or local law, ordinance, or city charter.

4. The commission may employ and at pleasure remove such personnel as it may deem necessary for the performance of the commission's functions and fix their compensation within the amount appropriated therefor. The commission may hold public and private hearings, and otherwise have all of the powers of a legislative committee under this chapter. The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services, except as provided pursuant to section five-a of this chapter, but shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties hereunder.

5. Employees of the commission shall be considered to be employees of the legislature for all purposes.

6. The commission may request and shall receive from any court, department, division, board, or bureau, commission, or agency of the state such assistance and data as will enable the commission properly to carry out its powers and duties hereunder.

7. The commission is hereby authorized and empowered to make and sign any agreements, and to do and perform any acts that may be necessary, desirable or proper to carry out the purpose and objectives of this section.

* NB Repealed June 30, 2020