* § 83-i. Legislative commission on the development of rural
resources. 1. The legislature hereby finds and declares that the
economic and social well-being of the people of the state is clearly
related to the state's rural resources. The rural economy and
environment contribute greatly to the quality and maintenance of life in
New York state. Rural areas offer an important alternative to urban
living. Agriculture, forestry, mineral extractions, tourism and
recreation in rural areas constitute much of New York's agricultural
base. New York's indispensable rural resources are decentralized,
diverse and unique, and their enhancement and protection require special
attention in view of their special characterization and needs. The
legislature further finds that a commission is necessary to review and
reassess state policies and programs and their impact upon rural
resources and to make recommendations thereon to promote the enhancement
and protection of such resources.

2. A legislative commission on the development of rural resources is
hereby established (a) to examine the impact of rural resources upon the
state's economy; (b) to review existing laws and regulations as they
pertain to rural resources; (c) to assess the effect of state policies
generally on rural areas; (d) to reassess the effectiveness of programs
specifically addressed to rural resource needs and problems, such as
agricultural districting, agricultural product promotion, maintenance of
agricultural land, forest management, tax exemptions for agricultural
and forest land, oil and gas regulation, and tourism and recreation; and
(e) to make such recommendations to the legislature for action as it
determines necessary for the enhancement and protection of the state's
rural resources.

3. The commission shall consist of ten members to be appointed as
follows: three members of the senate shall be appointed by the temporary
president of the senate; three members of the assembly shall be
appointed by the speaker of the assembly; two members of the senate
shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate; and two members
of the assembly shall be appointed by the minority leader of the
assembly. From among the members as appointed, a senate chairman and an
assembly chairman shall be appointed jointly by the temporary president
of the senate and the speaker of the assembly. Any vacancy that occurs
in the chairmanships or other membership of the commission shall be
filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made. No
member, officer, or employee of the commission shall be disqualified
from holding any other public office or employment, nor shall he forfeit
any such office or employment by reason of his appointment hereunder,
notwithstanding the provisions of any general, special or local law,
ordinance, or city charter.

4. The commission may employ and at pleasure remove such personnel as
it may deem necessary for the performance of the commission's functions
and fix their compensation within the amount appropriated therefor. The
commission may hold public and private hearings, and otherwise have all
of the powers of a legislative committee under this chapter. The members
of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services,
except as provided pursuant to section five-a of this chapter, but shall
be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the
performance of their duties hereunder.

5. Employees of the commission shall be considered to be employees of
the legislature for all purposes.

6. The commission may request and shall receive from any court,
department, division, board, or bureau, commission, or agency of the
state such assistance and data as will enable the commission properly to
carry out its powers and duties hereunder.

7. The commission is hereby authorized and empowered to make and sign
any agreements, and to do and perform any acts that may be necessary,
desirable or proper to carry out the purpose and objectives of this
section.

* NB Repealed June 30, 2025