H 3703 General Bill, By J.V. Gregory, Cork, H.H. Keyserling, D.E. McTeer and 
J.M. White
 A Bill to amend the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, by adding Article 21
 in Chapter 13, Title 51, relating to regional districts, commissions, and
 authorities for purposes of parks, recreation, and tourism, so as to establish
 the Lowcountry and Resort Islands Tourism Commission and to provide for the
 powers and duties of the Commission.

   03/19/91  House  Introduced and read first time HJ-28
   03/19/91  House  Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and
                     Industry HJ-28

A BILL

TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 21 IN CHAPTER 13, TITLE 51, RELATING TO REGIONAL DISTRICTS, COMMISSIONS, AND AUTHORITIES FOR PURPOSES OF PARKS, RECREATION, AND TOURISM, SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE LOWCOUNTRY AND RESORT ISLANDS TOURISM COMMISSION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. Chapter 13, Title 51 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

Section 51-13-1810. There is created the Lowcountry and Resort Islands Tourism Commission for the purpose of promoting the economic development of the region through a formal program of tourism promotion in Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties. The commission is composed of three members from each county, to be appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the legislative delegation of each county, to serve for terms of four years and until their successors are appointed and qualify. One member from each county must be a representative of the hospitality business industry to provide input to the commission from those persons directly involved in the travel and leisure industry. Two members from each county must be representatives of the chamber of commerce in the county to provide input from the historical, cultural, environmental, and recreational interests, and general business community. Of those first appointed, the members representing the hospitality industry shall serve three years and the members representing chambers of commerce shall serve four years. Vacancies must be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term.

Section 51-13-1820. The commission shall:

(1) take necessary action to establish the lowcountry and resort islands region as a major center of tourism;

(2) bring together the abilities and interests of private industry, chambers of commerce, development organizations, and historical and cultural interests for the purpose of developing a formal program of tourism promotion;

(3) encourage the promotion of the region through organizations such as the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, the United States Travel Service, the Travel Industry of America, the Southeast Tourism Society, and similar agencies or programs;

(4) inventory and identify potential attractions of tourist interest in the region;

(5) establish guidelines to ensure the protection of the interests of the individual citizens and environmental and cultural interests and to assure an ethical, truly representative image of the region to the tourist;

(6) seek out, apply for, receive, process, and distribute available funds through agencies such as the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Regional Councils of Government, and the United States Departments of Commerce and Interior, or any other similar agency or department.

Sections 51-13-1830. The commission shall meet as soon after the appointment of its members as practicable and shall organize by electing one of its members as chairman, one as secretary, and other officers as it considers necessary. This commission shall meet thereafter on call of the chairman or a majority of its members."

SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.