(a) There is created the Alabama Commission to Reduce Poverty. The commission shall consist of the chair and vice chair of the House Education Appropriations Committee or their designees; the chair and vice chair of the House Government Appropriations Committee or their designees; the chair and vice chair of the Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee or their designees; the chair and vice chair of the Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee or their designees; three members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker; three members of the Senate appointed by the Lieutenant Governor; one member appointed by the Alabama Poverty Project; one member appointed by Alabama Arise; one member appointed by Alabama Community Action Agencies; one member representing the faith community appointed by the Governor; one member appointed by the Low Income Housing Coalition; two individuals living in poverty appointed by the Governor; and one member appointed by VOICES. The membership of the commission shall be inclusive and reflect the racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state. The commission shall hold its organizational meeting within 30 days after May 21, 2009. The commission shall meet at the call of the chair or any majority of members thereof; provided, that the commission shall meet at least once each four months. The commission may meet, act, and conduct its business during the sessions of the Legislature or any recess thereof, and in the interim period between sessions.
(b) The Secretary of the Senate, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Legislative Reference Service, the Legislative Fiscal Office, and the Examiners of Public Accounts shall provide any assistance as may be necessary at the commission's request. Each legislative member of the commission shall be entitled to his or her regular legislative compensation, his or her per diem, and travel expenses for each day he or she attends a meeting of the commission which shall be paid out of any funds appropriated for the use of the Legislature, upon warrants drawn on the state Comptroller upon requisitions signed by the commission's chair; provided, however, that members shall not receive additional legislative compensation or per diem when the Legislature is in session but they shall receive their travel expenses for all meetings attended. Nonlegislative members shall receive per diem and travel expenses in the same amount as state employees receive, which amounts shall be paid out of funds appropriated by the Legislature for such use.
(c) The commission shall study and evaluate the following policies and programs of the State of Alabama:
(1) State supported programs that serve those living in poverty.
(2) The economic impact of poverty.
(3) Current policies and services that affect those living in poverty.
(4) Recommendations and proposed legislation affecting individuals in poverty.
(d) The commission shall make an annual report to members of the Legislature no later than the seventh legislative day of each regular session detailing any and all recommendations.
(e) The amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000) shall be the total amount that may be expended by the commission in any one year.