2019 -- H 6257

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LC002915

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST GRATITUDE TO THE CAPITOL POLICE FOR THEIR

DILIGENCE AND DEDICATION TO DUTY SERVING AND PROTECTING THE PUBLIC

AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Messier, Knight, Handy, Fellela, and Kazarian

     Date Introduced: June 26, 2019

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, The 2019 Session of the Rhode Island Legislature witnessed the

introduction and in some cases the passage of many landmark bills; and

     WHEREAS, Advocates and opponents of the various legislative proposals came to the

State House to exercise their First Amendment right to free speech; and

     WHEREAS, For many weeks, the considerable passion and emotion that some members

of the public brought to their advocacy resounded loudly through the halls of the State House; and

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Capitol Police handled the multitude of advocates, both

for and against bills being considered by the House and the Senate, with respect, dignity, and in a

professional manner; and

     WHEREAS, Members of the Capitol Police not only insured that the public were able to

exercise their right to open expression, they also ensured the safety of the public, state employees,

and the members of the House and Senate; and

     WHEREAS, Chief Joseph Little and all the members of the Capitol Police toiled long

and arduously screening innumerable people entering the State House while also maintaining

order and decorum between competing advocates; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby expresses its deepest gratitude to the Capitol Police for their

tireless diligence and dedication to duty upholding the public's right to invoke their First

Amendment rights while ensuring their protection, as well as the protection of state employees

and General Assembly members; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Chief Joseph Little, Jr., Rhode Island Capitol

Police.

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LC002915

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