A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to authorize the Legislative Research Commission to Study the establishment of a North Carolina Center for Applied Furniture Technology.
Whereas, the furniture industry has played an important role in the development of the State's economy; and
Whereas, the furniture industry in this State has experienced significant job losses over the past decade as these jobs have been moved overseas; and
Whereas, the preservation of the furniture industry in this State is dependent on developing, utilizing, and disseminating new and innovative technologies in this industry; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Legislative Research Commission may conduct a comprehensive study of the need for a North Carolina Center for Applied Furniture Technology. If the Commission undertakes the study, it shall include the following:
(1)	A review of the North Carolina Center for Applied Textile Technology and its role in supporting the textile industry in this State, another of this State's traditional industries that is experiencing rapid changes due to global economic factors.
(2)	The needs of the furniture industry in developing new technologies or processes in order to remain competitive in the global furniture market and the ways in which a North Carolina Center for Applied Furniture Technology could assist in the development and dissemination of those technologies and processes.
(3)	A review of the furniture industry in this State that analyzes the strengths of the industry in this State and the strategic opportunities of the industry.
(4)	A review of a proposed organizational structure of the Center, specifically studying whether the Center should be established as a freestanding institution or as a component part of an existing community college or other institution.
(5)	A review of the funding needs of the proposed Center and ways to provide for that funding through State or local appropriations or private donations.
(6)	A review of existing federal, State, and local programs designed for or used to assist the furniture industry and recommendations regarding improvements to those programs or the establishment of new programs to satisfy unmet needs.
(7)	Any other issue the Legislative Research Commission finds relevant to this study.
In considering appointees to the committee to study this matter, the appointing authorities shall consider inclusion of representatives of the furniture industry.
The Legislative Research Commission may make an interim report of its findings and recommendations to the 2006 Regular Session of the 2005 General Assembly and a final report to the 2007 General Assembly.
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.