The Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee proposes the following Amendment No. 1 to H. 3170 (COUNCIL\GGS\22041ZW11):

Reference is to the Joint Resolution as introduced.

Amend the joint resolution, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/      SECTION      1.      There is established a Committee to Study Certain Issues Affecting Veterans. The committee is comprised of three members of the Senate, to be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and three members of the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House. The members of the committee shall elect a chairman and a vice chairman and shall meet as often and at any locale in the State as the committee considers necessary or expedient for the duration of the committee's existence as provided by this joint resolution. A vacancy on the committee must be filled in the manner of original appointment as provided by this section.

SECTION      2.      (A)      The committee shall study the following:
           (1)      the approximate number of homeless veterans residing in this State;
           (2)      the approximate number of South Carolina veterans who have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
           (3)      the root causes of veteran homelessness and reasons why traditional Veterans Affairs Services are not alleviating the situation, particularly with regard to job placement services;
           (4)      the availability of basic human services to South Carolina's most economically disadvantaged veterans.
     (B)      When formulating its findings and recommendations, the committee shall consider information and recommendations from the State Office of Veterans Affairs, representatives of the veteran community, as well as organizations and healthcare facilities that provide services for homeless veterans.

SECTION      3.      The committee shall render a written report of its findings and recommendations based upon its study conducted pursuant to SECTION 2. The report must be presented to both houses of the General Assembly and to the Governor not later than January 31, 2012. Upon presenting the written report in accordance with the provisions of this section, the committee is dissolved and this joint resolution expires.

SECTION      4.      The committee shall receive clerical and related assistance from the staff of the Senate and the staff of the House of Representatives, as approved and designated by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, respectively. The members of the committee may not receive compensation and are not entitled to receive mileage, subsistence, and per diem authorized by law for members of state boards, committees.

SECTION      5.      This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.      /

Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.