2016 -- H 7450

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LC004366

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT- RHODE ISLAND COMMISSION

ON WOMEN

     Introduced By: Representatives Hearn, Messier, and Costa

     Date Introduced: February 03, 2016

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. The title of Chapter 42-119 of the General Laws entitled "Rhode Island

Commission on Women" is hereby amended to read as follows:

CHAPTER 42-119

Rhode Island Commission on Women

CHAPTER 42-119

RHODE ISLAND COMMISSION ON WOMEN AND GIRLS

     SECTION 2. Sections 42-119-1, 42-119-2, 42-119-3 and 42-119-7 of the General Laws

in Chapter 42-119 entitled "Rhode Island Commission on Women" are hereby amended to read as

follows:

     42-119-1. Creation. -- There is created a Rhode Island Commission on Women

Commission on Women and Girls, which shall consist of twenty-six (26) members. Members

shall be representative of the general public reflecting a broad spectrum of women from all

socioeconomic, multi-cultural, and demographic segments as well as various departments of state

government consistent with the purpose of this chapter. Members shall serve staggered terms of

three (3) years.

     42-119-2. Purpose. -- The purpose of the commission is to advance women and girls

toward full equity in all areas of life and to promote rights and opportunities for all women. The

commission shall study, make recommendations, and promote constructive action on issues

related to women which include, but are not limited to, the following: economic development,

education, employment, health, legal rights, political participation, and the quality of individual

and family life.

     42-119-3. Areas of responsibility. -- The commission has the following responsibilities:

      (1) Advise and submit recommendations to the governor and the general assembly on

issues relating to women;

      (2) Gather and disseminate information to women and/or the general public on issues

relating to women;

      (3) Develop and/or support programs and services for women consistent with the

purpose of the commission;

      (5)(4) Collaborate and/or partner with concerned organizations, groups, and state

departments on issues of common concern;

      (5) Educate and encourage women to exercise the right to vote; encourage candidacy for

public office and promote appointment of qualified women to boards, commissions, and

government positions at all levels;

      (6) Evaluate, monitor and propose federal and state legislation and advise legislators on

issues relating to women; and

      (7) Advocate for women's equity in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

     42-119-7. Grants and gifts. -- The commission is empowered to apply for and receive

from any federal, state, or local agency, private foundation or from any individual, any grants,

appropriations, or gifts, which shall be deposited as general restricted revenues. Appropriations

shall be utilized in order to carry out the purpose of this commission.

     SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT- RHODE ISLAND COMMISSION

ON WOMEN

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     This act would rename the Rhode Island Commission on Women as the Rhode Island

Commission on Women and Girls, allow it to partner with other groups, organizations and state

departments on issues of common concern and designate any grants, appropriations or gifts

received as restricted revenues.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC004366

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