2019 -- S 0624

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LC001760

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

     RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - OFFICIAL STATE

ASTRONOMER

     

     Introduced By: Senators DiPalma, Seveney, Coyne, Valverde, and Euer

     Date Introduced: March 14, 2019

     Referred To: Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Title 42 of the General Laws entitled "STATE AFFAIRS AND

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GOVERNMENT" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

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CHAPTER 100.2

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OFFICIAL STATE ASTRONOMER

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     42-100.2-1. Official state astronomer.

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     There is hereby created the position of official state astronomer.

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     42-100.2-2. Appointment.

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     The official state astronomer shall be appointed for a term of five (5) years by the

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secretary of state.

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     42-100.2-3. Compensation.

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     The official state astronomer shall receive no compensation.

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     42-100.2-4. Qualifications.

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     The official state astronomer must have earned, at a minimum, a Bachelor's Degree in the

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study of astronomy and science, and have taught and lectured about astronomy to the general

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public.

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     42-100.2-5. Duties.

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     The duties of the official state astronomer shall include promoting astronomy throughout

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the State of Rhode Island; promoting engineering and technology in the classroom setting and

 

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communities throughout Rhode Island; and such other duties pertaining to astronomy and science

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as required.

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     42-100.2-6. Certification.

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     The secretary of state shall issue to the appointee a certificate bearing the seal of the state

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upon which is designated the name of the appointee, the words "Official State Astronomer of

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Rhode Island," and the term of office set forth from beginning to ending month and year of

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service.

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     42-100.2-7. Position of honor.

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     The position of official state astronomer shall be honorific only, and shall not confer

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official status upon any of the scientific findings, lectures, teachings or pronouncements of the

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astronomer; nor shall the statements or views of the astronomer be regarded as the official

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position of the state in any court of law.

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     SECTION 2. 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 - OFFICIAL STATE

ASTRONOMER

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     This act would create the honorary, unpaid position of the official state astronomer to be

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appointed by the secretary of state for a term of five (5) years. The official state astronomer

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would have the duty of promoting astronomy and the value of science throughout the state of

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Rhode Island, and promoting engineering and technology in the classroom setting and

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communities throughout the state of Rhode Island.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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