AN ACT to create the north carolina golf council to promote and cultivate the game of golf in this state.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Article 10 of Chapter 143B of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new Part to read:

Part 23. Promotion of Golf.

§ 143B‑472.130.  Golf Council; creation; membership; purpose.

(a)        There is established in the Department of Commerce the North Carolina Golf Council, herein referred to as Council, to promote and cultivate the game of golf in this State.

(b)        The Council is charged with the promotion and cultivation of the game of golf in this State and with fostering the economic development, tourism, recreation, and community involvement that the growth of the sport can bring. The Council shall advise the Secretary with recommendations on fostering economic growth and advancing the growth of recreational, high school, collegiate, and professional golf.

(c)        The Council shall be composed of seven members, all with a reasonable level of experience or knowledge related to the game of golf, as follows:

(1)        Three individuals appointed by the Governor.

(2)        Two individuals appointed by the General Assembly upon recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(3)        Two individuals appointed by the General Assembly upon recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

(d)       Members of the Council shall serve four‑year terms. The Governor shall select the chair from among the appointed members. Any vacancy on the Council shall be filled by the appointing authority. A member of the Council may be removed by the appointing authority for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance.

(e)        The Council shall meet at least quarterly and at other times upon the call of the chair. A quorum of the Council shall be four members.

(f)        The Council shall be deemed a covered board for purposes of Chapter 138A of the General Statutes. No current member of the General Assembly or other person holding elected office, or any members of that person's immediate family, may serve on the Council.

(g)        Members of the Council shall receive per diem and necessary travel and subsistence expenses in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 138‑5. All clerical and other services required by the Council shall be supplied by the Secretary.

SECTION 2.  G.S. 120‑123 is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

(84)    The North Carolina Golf Council of the Department of Commerce.

SECTION 3.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Commerce the sum of twenty‑five thousand dollars ($25,000) in recurring funds for the 2022‑2023 fiscal year for administrative costs related to the Council's activities.

SECTION 4.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2021.