FL H0339

Establishes the Florida Commission on Poverty in the Executive Office of the Governor to serve as an advisory board on poverty-related matters to the Governor, Cabinet, Legislature, and state agencies.

Commission consists of 5 voting members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, plus any number of nonvoting members; all voting members must be state residents and serve 4-year terms.

Commission must meet at least twice annually and elect a chair and vice chair annually; a majority of voting members constitutes a quorum and is required for official action.

Commission shall conduct studies on poverty causes, solicit county participation through applications, and prepare annual reports by January 15 each year detailing activities and recommendations for legislative, administrative, or regulatory reform.

Commission may secure assistance from state departments and agencies, procure information from political subdivisions, contract for goods and services, and accept funds from public or private sources to cover administrative costs.

Voting members serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses; act takes effect July 1, 2015.