Nebraska Statutes 66-1619. Council; powers and duties; rules and regulations
(1) The council shall provide rules and regulations to carry out its responsibilities under the Propane Education and Research Act.
Terms Used In Nebraska Statutes 66-1619
- Council: means the Propane Education and Research Council established under sections Nebraska Statutes 66-1605
- Education: means any action which provides information, instruction, or safety guidelines about propane, propane equipment, mechanical and technical practices, and uses of propane to propane consumers or industry employees. See Nebraska Statutes 66-1606
- Fiscal year: The fiscal year is the accounting period for the government. For the federal government, this begins on October 1 and ends on September 30. The fiscal year is designated by the calendar year in which it ends; for example, fiscal year 2006 begins on October 1, 2005 and ends on September 30, 2006.
- Industry: means those persons involved in the production, transportation, and sale of propane and in the manufacture and distribution of propane utilization equipment. See Nebraska Statutes 66-1607
- Propane: means propane, butane, mixtures, and liquefied petroleum gas as defined by the National Fire Protection Association Standard 58 for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases the chemical composition of which is predominantly C3H8, whether recovered from natural gas or crude oil. See Nebraska Statutes 66-1612
- Research: means any type of study, investigation, or other activity performed by a qualified public or private research group for the purpose of advancing and improving the existing technology related to the propane industry, including the development of increased efficiency of propane use, of enhancing the safety of propane and propane utilization equipment, or of furthering the development of such information and products. See Nebraska Statutes 66-1614
- Year: shall mean calendar year. See Nebraska Statutes 49-801
(2) The council may enter into contracts with, use facilities and equipment of, or employ the personnel of a qualified industry organization in carrying out the council’s responsibilities under the act.
(3) The council shall protect the handling of council funds through fidelity bonds.
(4) The administrative costs of operating the council shall not exceed twenty percent of the funds collected pursuant to section 66-1621 in any fiscal year.
(5) The council shall operate in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.
(6) At the beginning of each fiscal year, the council shall prepare a budget plan which includes the estimated costs of all programs, projects, and contracts. The council shall provide an opportunity for public comment on the budget. The council shall prepare and make available to the public an annual report detailing the activities of the council in the previous year, those planned for the coming year, and the costs related to the activities.
(7) The council shall keep minutes, books, and records that clearly reflect all of the acts and transactions of the council. The books of the council shall be audited by a certified public accountant at least once each fiscal year and at such other times as the council may designate. Copies of the audit shall be provided to the executive director, if one is appointed by the council, to all members of the council, to the Clerk of the Legislature, and to any other member of the industry upon request.
(8) The council shall issue notice of meetings and shall require reports on the activities of the committees and subcommittees and on compliance, violations, and complaints regarding the implementation of the Propane Education and Research Act.