143B-1220. Veterans' Affairs Commission - creation, powers and duties.

There is hereby created the Veterans' Affairs Commission of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The Veterans' Affairs Commission shall have the following functions and duties, as delegated by the Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs:

(1) To advise the Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs on matters relating to the affairs of veterans in North Carolina;

(2) To maintain a continuing review of the operation and budgeting of existing programs for veterans and their dependents in the State and to make any recommendations to the Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs for improvements and additions to such matters to which the Secretary shall give due consideration;

(3) To promulgate rules and regulations concerning the awarding of scholarships for children of North Carolina veterans as provided by this Article. The Commission shall make rules and regulations consistent with the provisions of this Article. All rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this Chapter heretofore adopted by the State Board of Veterans' Affairs shall remain in full force and effect unless and until repealed or superseded by action of the Veterans' Affairs Commission. All rules and regulations adopted by the Commission shall be enforced by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs;

(4) To promulgate rules concerning the awarding of the North Carolina Services Medal to all veterans who have served in any period of war as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101. The award shall be self-financing; those who wish to be awarded the medal shall pay a fee to cover the expenses of producing the medal and awarding the medal. All rules adopted by the Commission with respect to the North Carolina Services Medal shall be implemented and enforced by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; and

(5) To advise the Secretary on any matter the Secretary may refer to it.