NC S829

Direct the Executive Director of the Wildlife Resources Commission, Director of the Division of Marine Fisheries, and Commissioner of Agriculture to jointly study reorganizing fish and wildlife management in North Carolina by October 1, 2012.

Study shall examine transferring Marine Fisheries Commission powers to the Wildlife Resources Commission and merging both agencies into a new Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission effective July 1, 2013.

Study must address transfer of statutory authority, consolidation of records and personnel, uninterrupted continuation of services and contracts, and identification of necessary statutory and policy changes.

Identify a target reduction of 5% in personnel and budgetary spending through the reorganization, including consolidation of law enforcement functions and elimination of program overlaps.

Commissioner of Agriculture authorized to review fisheries resource management positions or duties within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services scope prior to October 1, 2012.