SB 252 — AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONNECTICUT FOOD POLICY COUNCIL.

6173 2 of 5 Committee Bill No.252 leader of the Senate, who represents a local or state-wide food commission, council or network;

(15) one appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, who represents a local or state- wide food commission, council or network;

(16) one appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, who represents a local or state-wide food commission, council or network;

(17) one appointed by the Governor, who is an agricultural producer;

and (18) one appointed by the Governor, who is a representative of an anti-hunger organization.

(d) Members of the council appointed under subsection (c) of this section shall serve for three-year terms commencing on the date of appointment, which for initial appointments shall be not later than September 1, 2019.

Any vacancy shall be filled by the appointing authority.

Any vacancy occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term.

(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 4-9a, the council shall elect [a chairperson] two chairpersons and a vice-chairperson from among its members, provided one chairperson shall be a department head and one chairperson shall be a public member.

Any person absent from [(A)] (1) three consecutive meetings of the commission or [(B)] (2) fifty per cent of such meetings during any calendar year shall be deemed to have resigned from the council, effective immediately.

Vacancies on the council shall be filled by the appointing authority.

Members of the council serve without compensation but shall, within the limits of available funds, be reimbursed for expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties.

The council shall meet as often as deemed necessary by the [chairperson] chairpersons or a majority of the council.

[(c)] (f) The council shall [:

(1) Develop, coordinate and implement a food system policy linking local economic development, environmental protection and preservation with farming and urban issues;

(2) review and comment on any proposed state legislation and regulations that would affect the food policy system of the state;

(3)] LCO No.

6173 3 of 5 Committee Bill No.252 examine food and nutrition-related programs, issues and policies, and develop recommendations to promote a strong food economy and support community access to healthy foods.

The council may make recommendations related to the following:

(1) Increased collaboration and communication among state agencies;

(2) increased collaboration and communication among local, state and federal agencies;

(3) opportunities to leverage private and public market influence, such as through institutional purchasing and contracts;

(4) modifications to existing or proposed state or federal laws or regulations or policies relevant to the food system, food economy, food security and access to healthy foods in the state;

(5) improvements to state or federal program implementation relevant to the food system, food economy, food security and access to healthy foods in the state;

(6) identification of additional federal, state, local and private investments needed to accomplish the council's recommendations;

and (7) any other topic deemed relevant by the council.

(g) The council (1) shall advise and provide information to the Governor on the state's food policy;

[and (4)] (2) shall examine food policy at the local level and coordinate with local entities on existing and proposed local food policy;

(3) may work with local and state- wide food networks and commissions on food action planning activities;

and (4) shall prepare and submit to [the joint standing committee of] the General Assembly, [having cognizance of matters relating to the environment] in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, an annual report concerning its activities with any [appropriate] recommendations [concerning food policy] for legislation.

[(d)] (h) The council may use such funds as may be available from federal, state or other sources and may enter into contracts to carry out the purposes of this section.

[(e)] (i) The council may, subject to the provisions of chapter 67, employ any necessary staff within available appropriations.

16366173 14 of 15 Committee Bill No.

252 This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:

Section 1 July 1, 2019 22-456 Statement of Purpose:

To amend the membership and duties of the Connecticut Food Policy Council.

[Proposed deletions are enclosed in brackets.

Proposed additions are indicated by underline, except that when the entire text of a bill or resolution or a section of a bill or resolution is new, it is not underlined.] Co-Sponsors:

SEN.

MOORE, 22nd Dist.

S.B.

252 LCO No.

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