Free City Commission Act

Establishment— There is established in the legislative branch a commission to be known as the “Free City Commission” (referred to in this Act as the “Commission”).

Purpose— The purpose of the Commission is to study the effects of progressive governance on cities within the United States over the last 75 years.

Initial meeting— The Commission shall meet and begin the operations of the Commission not later than 30 days after the appointment of a simple majority of members of the Commission.

examine the causal link between permissive drug policies and the increase in drug violence and drug usage;

examine the effects of a lack of educational opportunities;

evaluate the success of law enforcement tactics in preventing violence and protecting civilians;

examine the prevalence of abortion in minority communities;

examine the failures of public schools in urban environments;

evaluate the success of opportunity zones;

the link between home ownership and community stability;

investigate mental health;

study signs of civic engagement like voting and parental involvement in schools;

investigate public health markers like chronic disease and sexual health;

rates of religious affiliation, participation, and belief in these communities; and

not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, submit a report on the findings under paragraphs (1) through (11) to the individuals described in section 6(b)(2).

Hearings— The Commission may hold such hearings, meet and act at such times and places, and receive such evidence as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Commission.

Contracting— The Commission may enter into contracts to enable the Commission to discharge its duties under this Act.

Donations— The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of donations of services or property.

Postal services— The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as a department or agency of the United States.

In general— The chair of the Commission, in consultation with the vice chair, in accordance with rules agreed upon by the Commission, may appoint and fix the compensation of a staff director and such other personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its functions, in accordance with the provisions of title 5, United States Code, except that no rate of pay fixed under this subsection may exceed the equivalent of that payable for a position at level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.

Staff of Federal agencies— Upon request of the chair of the Commission, the head of any executive department, bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent establishment, or instrumentality of the Federal Government may detail, without reimbursement, any of its personnel to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this Act. Any detail of an employee shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.

Consultant services— The Commission is authorized to procure the services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to exceed the daily rate paid a person occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.