S.B. 900 - The Studies Act of 2010

• Authorizes the Legislative Research Commission and various joint legislative oversight committees to conduct studies on topics including state agency consolidation, certified nurse midwife flexibility, televising legislative sessions, e-commerce efficiency, and supportive housing for mental health and substance abuse populations.

• Establishes new study commissions and task forces including groups focused on public-private partnerships, prescription drug abuse, diversity in public schools, comparative negligence and joint liability, railroads, and life sciences industry expansion.

• Extends reporting deadlines and study periods for existing commissions including the Zoological Park funding study, urban growth and infrastructure study, and general statutes commission studies on military terminology and gender-neutral language.

• Reestablishes the Legislative Task Force on Childhood Obesity with extended authority to report to the 2011 and 2012 General Assemblies, and creates a Joint Legislative Study Committee on Early Childhood Education consolidation.

• Requires out-of-state travel for legislative studies to be authorized by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate or Speaker of the House as appropriate, effective upon ratification on July 10, 2010.