Opinion ID: 1240566
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Reconstitution of the Committee

Text: Based on clear violations of both the separation of powers provision and the appointments provision, the Grant Committee will have to be reconstituted, assuming the Legislature wishes to pursue its stated plan of using the Grant Committee for the purpose of expending state moneys for economic development. Should the Legislature choose to amend the subject legislation to cure the defects, the Legislature should repose the duty of filling the six positions previously chosen [27] through the legislative submission process exclusively in the executive branch, with or without confirmation by the Senate, as the Legislature shall determine. [28] We suggest that the Grant Committee members should be required to take an oath of office and to post a bond. While separation of powers concerns prevent the direct involvement of the Legislature in the appointment process, we wish to make clear that individual legislators, including its constitutional officers, as well as any citizen of this state, may offer the appointing executive suggestions regarding the Committee's membership without violating in any respect the constitutional prerogatives of the executive branch of government.