2019 -- S 0942

========

LC002732

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO THE GOVERNANCE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

     

     Introduced By: Senator V. Susan Sosnowski

     Date Introduced: May 30, 2019

     Referred To: Senate Education

     (The University of Rhode Island)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

1

     SECTION 1. Legislative findings and intent. The general assembly hereby finds and

2

declares that:

3

     (1) The University of Rhode Island has become a public research university educating

4

more than eighteen thousand (18,000) students annually, and offering opportunities to study in

5

more than ninety (90) bachelor’s degree, more than seventy (70) graduate degree, and more than

6

twenty (20) certificate and non-degree programs.

7

     (2) The aspirations of high school graduates and their families require the continuous

8

innovation and transformation of the university and its academic programs.

9

     (3) The shrinking and shifting demographics of high school graduates in the region

10

coupled with the increased competitiveness of the higher education marketplace requires the

11

university to be strategic, nimble and innovative in its recruitment, financial aid and academic

12

offerings in order to be successful.

13

     (4) The University of Rhode Island’s peer institutions and aspirational competitor

14

institutions have governing bodies solely dedicated to the success of their mission and focus on

15

these higher education trends and best practices for their public research university, and

16

     (5) The University of Rhode Island would benefit from having a Board of Trustees

17

entirely committed to exploring opportunities, addressing challenges, and creating new economic

18

opportunities and partnerships for the university.

19

     (6) The general assembly finds that the establishment of a University of Rhode Island

 

1

board of trustees is necessary to effectuate these goals for the governance and support of the

2

University of Rhode Island.

3

     SECTION 2. Sections 16-32-2, 16-32-2.1, 16-32-5, 16-32-9, 16-32-10, 16-32-11, 16-32-

4

12, 16-32-15, 16-32-25 and 16-32-26 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-32 entitled "University

5

of Rhode Island [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" are

6

hereby amended to read as follows:

7

     16-32-2. Continuation of powers of board. Board of Trustees established.

8

     The change in name shall in no way affect the powers and duties of the board of

9

governors for higher education defined in chapter 59 of this title; and the board of governors for

10

higher education shall be responsible for the control, management, and operation of the

11

University of Rhode Island in the same manner as previously it was responsible for the control,

12

management, and operation of it under the name of Rhode Island State College.

13

     (a) There is hereby created a board of trustees for the University of Rhode Island,

14

sometimes referred to as the "board" or "board of trustees", which shall be and is constituted a

15

public corporation, empowered to sue and be sued in its own name, and to exercise all the

16

powers, in addition to those specifically enumerated in this chapter, usually appertaining to public

17

corporations entrusted with control of postsecondary educational institutions and functions. Upon

18

its organization, the board shall be vested with the legal title to all property, real and personal,

19

now owned by and/or under the control or in custody of the council on postsecondary education

20

for the use of the University of Rhode Island including all its departments, divisions, and

21

branches.

22

     (b) The board is empowered to hold and operate the property in trust for the state; to

23

acquire, hold, and dispose of the property and other like property as deemed necessary for the

24

execution of its corporate purposes. The board is made successor to all powers, rights, duties, and

25

privileges formerly belonging to the council on postsecondary education pertaining to

26

postsecondary education and the board of governors for higher education.

27

     (c) The board shall be the employer of record for the university. It shall retain all

28

authority formerly vested in the council on postsecondary education and the board of education

29

regarding the employment of faculty and staff at the public higher education institutions. The

30

board shall appoint the president of the university and shall review their performance on an

31

annual basis.

32

     (d) The board shall make rules and regulations for the control and use of all public

33

properties and highways under its care, and for violations of those rules and regulations;

34

penalties, up to one hundred dollars ($100) and costs for any one offense, may be imposed by any

 

LC002732 - Page 2 of 28

1

district court or police court in the city or town where the violation occurs; and, in general, the

2

board shall take all actions necessary for the proper execution of the powers and duties granted to,

3

and imposed upon, the board by the terms of this chapter.

4

     (e) The board shall make rules and regulations pursuant to chapter 2 of title 37 to

5

implement its responsibilities as a public agency for procurement purposes as defined in § 37-2-

6

7(16).

7

     (f) The board shall evaluate data on which to base performance of the university as

8

described in subsection (g) of this section which shall be defined by the president of the

9

university. These measures may include and incorporate outcomes or goals from multiple,

10

previous years. The lack of information from previous years, however, will not affect the use of

11

performance-based measures.

12

     (g) The University of Rhode Island shall have unique measures consistent with its

13

purpose, role, scope, and mission. The board shall provide faculty and students an opportunity to

14

provide input on the development of performance measures.

15

     (1) The performance-based measures shall include, but not be limited to, the following

16

metrics:

17

     (i) The number and percentage, including growth in relation to enrollment and prior years

18

of bachelor's degrees awarded to first-time, full-time students within four (4) years and six (6)

19

years, including summer graduates;

20

     (ii) The number of degrees awarded that are tied to Rhode Island's high demand, high-

21

wage employment opportunities consistent with the institution's mission;

22

     (iii) One metric that applies only to the university, in consultation with the president,

23

which shall consider faculty, staff and student input; and

24

     (iv) Any other metrics that are deemed appropriate by the board.

25

     (2) Weight may be assigned to any of the aforementioned metrics to reinforce the mission

26

of the university, the economic needs of the state, and the socio-economic status of the students.

27

     (h) The board shall hold the university accountable for developing and implementing

28

transfer pathways for students from the Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island

29

College.

30

     16-32-2.1. Additional powers of the President of the University.

31

     In addition to any powers granted to the president of the University of Rhode Island by

32

law or regulation, and consistent with shared governance practices, in conformity with § 16-32-

33

10, the president shall have the following additional powers and duties:

34

     (a) To create, and consolidate departments, divisions, programs, and courses of study

 

LC002732 - Page 3 of 28

1

within the university with the assistance of the commissioner of postsecondary education within

2

and the approved role and scope of the president's authority adopted by the council on

3

postsecondary education pursuant to § 16-59-4 board of trustees. Any new or proposed

4

eliminations of departments, divisions, programs or courses of study that are outside the role and

5

scope approved by the council board shall require the review and approval of the council on

6

postsecondary education board.

7

     (b) To adopt a budget for the university and submit it to the council on postsecondary

8

education board of trustees for approval.

9

     (c) To be responsible for the general management of property of the university.

10

     (d) To recommend to the council on postsecondary education, after consultation with the

11

commissioner of postsecondary education board of trustees, tables of organization for the

12

university.

13

     (e) To submit to the office of postsecondary commissioner board of trustees and to

14

compile and analyze the following information for presentation to the council on postsecondary

15

education and the board of education board annually by May 1st the following:

16

     (1) A detailed departmental breakdown of all faculty members employed at the university

17

by rank (including all professors, associate professors, assistant professors, lecturers, and

18

instructors) and tenure (tenured and non-tenured, and other) and by race (African American,

19

Hispanic, Native American, and Asian) and gender.

20

     (2) A detailed report on current student enrollments for each class at the university by

21

race and gender, by academic department, and by outreach program (e.g. talent development),

22

guaranteed admissions program, and the current levels of funding and staff support for each of

23

these programs.

24

     (3) A report on the current status of the African and Afro-American studies programs at

25

the university and a five (5) year budgetary history of the programs along with projections for

26

budgetary support for the next two (2) years.

27

     (4)(3) A plan for recruitment of African American and Hispanic faculty into tenure track

28

positions at the university with specific reference to and planned involvement with the New

29

England higher education's minority faculty recruitment and development plan.

30

     (5)(4) Copies of the report shall be furnished to the council of postsecondary education

31

and the board of education board of trustees.

32

     (f) To assist the board of trustees in preparation and maintenance of a three (3) year

33

strategic funding plan for the university; to assist the board in the preparation and presentation

34

annually to the state budget officer in accordance with § 35-3-4 of a total university budget.

 

LC002732 - Page 4 of 28

1

     (g) To monitor, publish, and report to the board of trustees the level of performance on all

2

metrics of the universities set forth in § 16-32-2 and in accordance with this chapter. The

3

president shall revise the metrics at a time when performance has reached a level pre-defined by

4

the board. Future metrics may further goals identified by the board, the board of education and

5

the governor's workforce board, and the purpose and mission of the university. The university

6

shall publish its performance on all of its associated metrics prescribed in this chapter on its

7

website.

8

     16-32-5. Authority over experiment station.

9

     The board of governors for higher education board of trustees shall have authority over

10

the experiment station of the university located in the town of South Kingstown.

11

     16-32-9. Annual appropriations.

12

     (a) The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum as it may deem sufficient

13

for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the university, the appropriation to be expended

14

under the direction of the trustees and officers of the university. The state controller is authorized

15

and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the

16

appropriations or so much of the sums that are necessary for the purposes appropriated, upon the

17

receipt by him or her of proper vouchers as the board of trustees may by rule provide. The board

18

shall receive, review, and adjust the budget for the university and present the budget under the

19

requirements of § 35-3-4.

20

     (b) Any tuition or fee increase schedules in effect for the university shall be received by

21

the board of trustees for allocation for the fiscal year for which state appropriations are made to

22

the board by the general assembly; provided that no further increases may be made by the board

23

for the year for which appropriations are made.

24

     (c) All housing, dining, and other auxiliary facilities at the university shall be self-

25

supporting and no funds shall be appropriated by the general assembly to pay operating expenses,

26

including principal and interest on debt services, and overhead expenses for the facilities.

27

     (d) The additional costs to achieve self-supporting status shall be by the implementation

28

of a fee schedule of all housing, dining, and other auxiliary facilities, including but not limited to,

29

operating expenses, principal, and interest on debt services, and overhead expenses.

30

     16-32-10. Award of degrees -- Curriculum and government.

31

     The board of trustees, with the approval of the president and a committee of the faculty of

32

the university, shall award academic degrees and diplomas and confer honors in the same manner

33

as is customary in American colleges. It shall also be the duty of the president and a committee of

34

the faculty, with the approval of the board of governors for higher education board of trustees, to

 

LC002732 - Page 5 of 28

1

arrange courses of study conforming to all acts of Congress, and prescribe any qualifications for

2

the admission of students and any rules of study, exercise, discipline, and government as the

3

president and committee may deem proper.

4

     16-32-11. Power to guarantee loans.

5

     The board of governors for higher education board of trustees is authorized and

6

empowered to carry out the provisions of §§ 16-32-12 through 16-32-14 in regard to the guaranty

7

of loans made to societies and students at the university.

8

     16-32-12. Acquisition of land -- Guaranty of loans to societies of students.

9

     The board of governors for higher education board of trustees is authorized and

10

empowered on behalf of the University of Rhode Island to acquire land and also to guarantee in

11

the name of the state approved loans made to societies of students at the university, for the

12

purchase or construction, upon lands owned by the university, of society houses which shall serve

13

as student dormitories. Any loans approved, upon default, shall become state obligations in the

14

same manner as any state bond.

15

     16-32-15. Assumption of defaulted obligations -- Lien on property.

16

     Whenever default is made on the part of a society in the payment of loans guaranteed

17

under the provisions of § 16-32-12, or any part of them, the board of governors for higher

18

education board of trustees is authorized to assume the obligation and to make required payments

19

on principal and interest from any of the appropriations available for the University of Rhode

20

Island. In the event of a default, in cases where that board assumes the obligation of a society, the

21

state shall have a lien subject to any mortgages or encumbrances existing at the time on any and

22

all property of the society. The lien may be released after the reimbursement to the state of all

23

payments made on behalf of the society, plus accrued interest.

24

     16-32-25. Establishment of college of pharmacy fund.

25

     All money received pursuant to the provisions of chapter 3644 of the Public Laws of

26

1956 shall be deemed to be trust funds to be held by the general treasurer or by the University of

27

Rhode Island Foundation, as provided in § 16-32-26, in a special fund the income of which shall

28

be made available to the board of governors for higher education board of trustees to be applied

29

by it solely for use as scholarship grants in the field of pharmacy and allied sciences, in any

30

manner and under any conditions as the board of governors for higher education may determine.

31

The board of governors for higher education is authorized and empowered, from time to time, as

32

occasion may require, to draw on the general treasurer or on the University of Rhode Island

33

Foundation, for the annual income of the fund, or so much of this amount as may be necessary, to

34

carry out this objective.

 

LC002732 - Page 6 of 28

1

     16-32-26. Management of college of pharmacy fund.

2

     (a) The general treasurer shall have the care and management of the fund with full power

3

to regulate the custody and safekeeping of all money and evidences of property belonging to the

4

fund. The treasurer shall deposit, subject to his or her order, to the use of this fund, all dividends,

5

interest, or income arising from it, in any bank or banks, trust company or trust companies, in

6

which funds of the state may be lawfully kept. The treasurer may invest and reinvest, in his or her

7

discretion, the money in the fund at any time and the dividends, interest, and income in any

8

securities or investments in which the deposits in savings banks and participation deposits in

9

banks and trust companies may be legally invested. The treasurer may change and vary the

10

investments from time to time, and he or she may sell and dispose of any investments made,

11

when necessary to meet the draft of the board of governors for higher education board of trustees

12

as provided in § 16-32-25.

13

     (b) The general treasurer shall, upon the order of the governor to do so, transfer to the

14

University of Rhode Island Foundation created by act of the general assembly at its January 1957

15

session all money and evidences of property comprising the fund, and then his or her duties with

16

respect to the fund shall cease, and the foundation shall after this hold and administer the fund

17

with all the powers and subject to all the duties imposed upon it by the act of the general

18

assembly with respect to other funds held by the foundation; provided, that the fund shall be held

19

by the foundation as a special fund and shall not be mingled with other funds held by the

20

foundation, and the net income of the fund shall be devoted exclusively to the object specified in

21

§ 16-32-25.

22

     SECTION 3. Sections 16-32.1-2 and 16-32.1-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-32.1

23

entitled "The University of Rhode Island Research Foundation Act [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The

24

Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" are hereby amended to read as follows:

25

     16-32.1-2. Creation and powers.

26

     (a) There is hereby authorized, created and established a public corporation having a legal

27

existence distinct from the state and not constituting a department of state government, to be

28

known as the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation, with such powers as are set forth

29

in this chapter, for the purposes of the development of scientific research, technology,

30

commercialization of intellectual property and such other purposes as may be necessary to

31

develop, promote and enhance scientific research and technology at the University of Rhode

32

Island.

33

     (b) The research foundation is authorized, created and established for the benefit of the

34

University of Rhode Island and shall be organized exclusively for charitable, educational and

 

LC002732 - Page 7 of 28

1

scientific purposes of the University of Rhode Island within the meaning of § 501(c)(3) of the

2

Internal Revenue Code with the following powers and purposes:

3

     (1) To aid and assist the University of Rhode Island in the establishment, development

4

and fostering of scientific research and technology which will further the learning opportunities,

5

programs, services and enterprises of the University and of the state of Rhode Island;

6

     (2) To assist in providing research programs at the University of Rhode Island which will

7

provide for the advancement of education and educational programs at the University of Rhode

8

Island and which will provide for opportunities to individuals for learning and training in subjects

9

useful to the individual and beneficial to the community;

10

     (3) To promote, encourage and foster the education and training services, scientific

11

investigations, technology development and technology commercialization at the University of

12

Rhode Island;

13

     (4) To pursue, obtain and protect intellectual property rights (including patents,

14

trademarks, tangible materials and copyrights) in and to all valuable intellectual property flowing

15

from or belonging to the University of Rhode Island and to administer such intellectual property

16

in conformity with applicable state and federal laws;

17

     (5) To carry on any other lawful purpose within the meaning of § 501(c)(3) of the

18

Internal Revenue Code in connection with its purposes.

19

     (c) The research foundation and its corporate existence shall continue until terminated by

20

law or until the corporation shall cease entirely and continuously to conduct or be involved in any

21

business or transactions in furtherance of its purposes. Upon termination of the research

22

foundation and its corporate existence, all of its rights, assets and properties shall pass to and be

23

vested in the board of governors for higher education board of trustees for the benefit of the

24

University of Rhode Island.

25

     16-32.1-8. Annual report and audit.

26

     The research foundation shall submit to the board of governors for higher education

27

board of trustees an audited report of its activities for the preceding fiscal year. The report shall

28

set forth a complete operating and financial statement covering the research foundation operations

29

during the preceding fiscal year. The research foundation shall cause an independent audit of its

30

books and accounts to be made at least once each fiscal year.

31

     SECTION 4. Chapter 16-32 of the General Laws entitled "University of Rhode Island

32

[See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby amended by

33

adding thereto the following sections:

34

     16-32-2.2. Appointment and removal of the board of trustees.

 

LC002732 - Page 8 of 28

1

     (a) There is hereby established a board of trustees for the University of Rhode Island

2

consisting of seventeen (17) members. The governor shall appoint the members, with the advice

3

and consent of the senate, to serve on the board of trustees, until the expiration of their term and

4

their successor is appointed. In addition, the president of the University of Rhode Island shall

5

appoint one faculty member and one student member who shall be a full-time student in good

6

standing at the university and who shall both serve in a non-voting, ex officio capacity for a

7

single two (2) year term. Six (6) of the members initially appointed pursuant to this section shall

8

serve terms of three (3) years; seven (7) members initially appointed pursuant to this section shall

9

serve terms of two (2) years; and, four (4) members initially appointed pursuant to this section

10

shall serve terms of one year. Thirteen (13) voting members of the board shall constitute a

11

quorum and the vote of a majority of those present and voting shall be required for action.

12

     (b) After the initial terms of appointment have expired, the governor shall appoint six (6)

13

members with the advice and consent of the senate to serve as members of the board of trustees

14

with two (2) members appointed for a term of three (3) years; with two (2) members appointed

15

for a term of two (2) years and with two (2) members appointed for a term of one year and shall

16

be eligible to be reappointed to a term of two (2) years. The remaining eleven (11) voting

17

members shall be self-perpetuating members appointed by the board pursuant to rules adopted by

18

the board regarding the nomination and appointment of members and shall serve terms as defined

19

by the board pursuant to the adopted rules and be eligible for reappointment.

20

     (c) A majority of the board shall elect the chair of the board on an annual basis from

21

among the seventeen (17) voting board members pursuant to rules and regulations adopted by the

22

board establishing the procedure for electing a chair.

23

     (d) Public members of the board shall be removable by the appointing authority of the

24

member for cause only, and removal solely for partisan or personal reasons unrelated to capacity

25

or fitness for the office shall be unlawful. No removal shall be made for any cause except after

26

ten (10) days' notice in writing of specific charges, with opportunity for the member to be present

27

in person and with counsel at a public hearing before the appointing authority, to introduce

28

witnesses and documentary evidence in his or her own defense, and to confront and cross-

29

examine adversary witnesses; and appeal shall lie to the superior court from the governor's

30

determination.

31

     16-32-32. Exemption from provisions of administrative procedures act.

32

     The provisions of the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42, shall not apply

33

to this chapter.

34

     16-32-33. Receipts from sources other than appropriations.

 

LC002732 - Page 9 of 28

1

     (a) Notwithstanding any general laws to the contrary, all receipts from all sources other

2

than state appropriations shall not be deposited into the general fund of the state, but shall be

3

deposited by the general treasurer of the state into a restricted account for the benefit of the board

4

of trustees, and shall be paid out by the treasurer upon the order of the board, without the

5

necessity of appropriation or re-appropriation by the general assembly.

6

     (b) The board of trustees shall ensure that the university has a structure in place to

7

prohibit the university from accepting funds that would interfere with or restrict academic

8

freedom at the university. Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed in a way as to

9

prohibit a donor from earmarking funds for a particular purpose or use including, but not limited

10

to, research, scholarships, construction, or development.

11

     16-32-34. Fiscal accounts -- Receipts -- Petty cash funds.

12

     (a) The treasurer of the University of Rhode Island, as appointed by the board of trustees,

13

shall:

14

     (1) Keep an accurate account of his or her receipts and expenditures, which shall be

15

audited by the state controller; and

16

     (2) Turn over to the general treasurer at monthly intervals all sums of money received by

17

him or her during the preceding month which shall be credited to the proper accounts and funds

18

by the general treasurer.

19

     (b) The state controller shall establish an imprest fund or petty cash fund for the use of

20

the treasurer of the university for expenditures of any nature as may be approved by the state

21

controller.

22

     16-32-35. Audit of expenditures.

23

     The pre-audit of all expenditures under authority of the board by the state controller

24

provided for in § 35-6-1 shall be purely ministerial, concerned only with the legality of the

25

expenditure and the availability of the funds, and in no event shall the state controller interpose

26

his or her judgment regarding the wisdom or expediency of any item or items of expenditure.

27

     16-32-36. Freedom from budget and lease control by other agencies.

28

     In order that the board of trustees may control the personnel and equipment of the

29

university in the interest of educational efficiency, the board and the university are exempt from

30

the provisions of § 35-3-1(a)(5) relating to the employment of personnel, and from any provision

31

of § 42-20-8 which relates to the director of administration.

32

     16-32-37. Applicability of merit system -- Teacher certification -- List of positions

33

transferable to classified service.

34

     (a) The appointment, promotion, salaries, tenure, and dismissal of administrative,

 

LC002732 - Page 10 of 28

1

instructional, and research employees, and secretarial employees not exceeding ten (10) in

2

number, and armed university police officers shall not be subject in any manner or degree to

3

control by the state personnel administrator or by any officer or board other than the board of

4

trustees. The certification of teachers at the University of Rhode Island is abolished, except for

5

teachers who elect to come or remain under it.

6

     (b) All positions that are exempt from the merit system law, chapter 4 of title 36, which

7

become vacant or that are to be established, must be forwarded to the state personnel

8

administrator, who shall determine whether the position(s) in question shall remain in the board

9

of trustees non-classified service or be established in the classified service of the state.

10

     (c) No position presently in the classified service of the state subject to the merit system

11

law, chapter 4 of title 36, shall be changed or modified so as to establish the position in the board

12

of trustees non-classified service.

13

     (d) Faculty positions, presidents, vice presidents, deans, assistant deans, and student

14

employees of the university shall not be covered by the preceding provisions and shall remain in

15

the non-classified service of the board.

16

     16-32-38. Permanent status for non-classified employees.

17

     All non-classified employees of the board of trustees who shall have twenty (20) years,

18

not necessarily consecutive, of service credit, these credits having been earned in either the

19

classified, non-classified, or unclassified service or any combination of these, shall be deemed to

20

have acquired full status in their positions as the status is defined by § 36-4-59 with the base entry

21

date prior to August 8, 1996; provided, that this provision shall not apply to faculty employed by

22

the board nor shall it apply to non-classified employees who have acquired tenure as faculty.

23

     16-32-39. Longevity payments -- Non-classified employees.

24

     (a) The non-classified employees of the board of trustees, except for faculty employees

25

and except for non-classified employees already receiving longevity increases, shall be entitled to

26

a longevity payment in the amount of five percent (5%) of base salary after ten (10) years of

27

service and increasing to a total of ten percent (10%) of base salary after twenty (20) years of

28

service. The provisions of this section will apply only to employees with a pay grade under

29

nineteen (19). The longevity payments shall not be included in base salary.

30

     (b) The board of trustees is authorized to promulgate regulations implementing the

31

provisions of this section.

32

     (c) Beginning on July 1, 2011, notwithstanding any rule, regulation, or provision of the

33

public laws or general laws to the contrary, there shall be no further longevity increases for

34

employees of the board of trustees; provided, however, for employees with longevity provisions

 

LC002732 - Page 11 of 28

1

pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement in effect on June 1, 2011, longevity increases shall

2

cease beginning on July 1, 2011 or beginning upon the expiration of the applicable collective

3

bargaining agreement, whichever occurs later. To the extent an employee has previously accrued

4

longevity payments, the amount of the longevity payment earned by the employee for the last pay

5

period in June, 2011 shall be added to the employee's base salary as of June 30, 2011, or in the

6

case of an employee with longevity provisions pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement in

7

effect on June 1, 2011, the amount of the longevity payment earned by the employee for the latter

8

of the last pay period in June or the last pay period prior to the expiration of the applicable

9

collective bargaining agreement shall be added to the employee's base salary as of June 30, 2011

10

or upon the expiration of the applicable collective bargaining agreement, whichever occurs later.

11

     16-32-40. Appointment of campus police.

12

     (a) The board of trustees may appoint one or more persons who may act as police officers

13

upon the property and highways of the university subject to the control of the board and upon the

14

streets and highways immediately adjacent to those lands. The campus police officers shall

15

protect the property of the university, suppress nuisances and disturbances and breaches of the

16

peace, and enforce laws and regulations for the preservation of good order. They shall have the

17

same powers and authority as that conferred upon municipal police officers, including the power

18

to arrest persons for violations of state criminal statutes or for violations of city or town

19

ordinances of the city or town in which the institution is located. They shall be required to attend

20

and successfully complete the municipal police training academy before they shall be allowed to

21

carry firearms. Additionally, any campus police officer observing the violation of any rule or

22

regulation of the board adopted pursuant to this chapter, including, but not limited to, parking and

23

traffic regulations, may issue a summons in the manner and form set forth in §§ 31-27-12 or 31-

24

41.1-1 returnable to the district court, the police court of the city or town where the violation

25

occurs, or the traffic tribunal as provided by law.

26

     (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all fines and penalties recovered for

27

violation of rules and regulations made under authority of this section shall be accounted for by

28

the appropriate authority, which shall forward all fines or penalties for nonmoving traffic

29

violations to the general treasurer for use by the college or university on whose campus the

30

citation or violation was issued in accordance with § 16-32-27.

31

     16-32-41. Conflicts of interest.

32

     No member of the board of trustees shall be employed in any position under the

33

jurisdiction of the board, nor contract in any manner for any purpose with the board; nor shall the

34

board purchase, sell, or lease any land, property, or supplies from or to any firm or business

 

LC002732 - Page 12 of 28

1

association of which any member of the board is owner, part owner, or officer or director. No

2

person related by consanguinity or affinity in the first degree to any member of the board shall be

3

employed in any capacity under the board's jurisdiction.

4

     SECTION 5. Sections 16-59-1, 16-59-6, 16-59-13, 16-59-18, 16-59-19, 16-59-22 and 16-

5

59-26 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-59 entitled "Council on Postsecondary Education [See

6

Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" are hereby amended to read as

7

follows:

8

     16-59-1. Council on Postsecondary Education established.

9

     (a) There is created a council on postsecondary education, sometimes referred to as the

10

"council", which shall be and is constituted a public corporation, empowered to sue and be sued

11

in its own name, and to exercise all the powers, in addition to those specifically enumerated in

12

this chapter, usually appertaining to public corporations entrusted with control of postsecondary

13

educational institutions and functions. Upon its organization the council shall be invested with the

14

legal title (in trust for the state) to all property, real and personal, now owned by and/or under the

15

control or in custody of the board of regents for education for the use of the University of Rhode

16

Island, Rhode Island College, Community College of Rhode Island and the system of community

17

colleges of Rhode Island including all departments, divisions, and branches of these.

18

     (b) The council is empowered to hold and operate the property in trust for the state; to

19

acquire, hold, and dispose of the property and other like property as deemed necessary for the

20

execution of its corporate purposes. The council is made successor to all powers, rights, duties,

21

and privileges formerly belonging to the board of regents for education pertaining to

22

postsecondary education and the board of governors for higher education.

23

     (c) The council shall be the employer of record for higher education Rhode Island

24

College and the Community College of Rhode Island and the office of postsecondary education.

25

It shall retain all authority formerly vested in the board of education regarding the employment of

26

faculty and staff at the public higher education institutions Rhode Island College and the

27

Community College of Rhode Island.

28

     (d) The council shall be the governing body for the Rhode Island division of higher

29

education assistance and shall retain all authority formerly vested in the higher education

30

assistance authority board of directors pursuant to § 16-57-7; however, any debts, liabilities, or

31

obligations of the council that result from its status as such governing body shall be payable

32

solely from the revenues or assets of reserve funds set forth and established by the prior Rhode

33

Island higher education assistance authority and/or the Rhode Island division of higher education

34

assistance created pursuant to chapter 57 of this title, and not from any assets or property held by

 

LC002732 - Page 13 of 28

1

the council on public higher education pursuant to this chapter.

2

     (e) The council on postsecondary education shall be the employer of record for the

3

division of higher education assistance.

4

     (f) The council on postsecondary education shall have authority pursuant to this chapter

5

of the University of Rhode Island until the board of trustees of the University of Rhode Island has

6

been established pursuant to § 16-32-2.2 and all members have been duly appointed and

7

confirmed.

8

     16-59-6. Commissioner of postsecondary education.

9

     The council on postsecondary education, with approval of the board, shall appoint a

10

commissioner of postsecondary education, who shall serve at the pleasure of the council,

11

provided that his or her initial engagement by the council shall be for a period of not more than

12

three (3) years. For the purpose of appointing, retaining, or dismissing a commissioner of

13

postsecondary education, the governor shall serve as an additional voting member of the council.

14

The position of commissioner shall be in the unclassified service of the state and he or she shall

15

serve as the chief executive officer of the council on postsecondary education, the chief

16

administrative officer of the office of postsecondary commissioner, and the executive director of

17

the division of higher education assistance. The commissioner of postsecondary education shall

18

have any duties that are defined in this section and in this title and other additional duties as may

19

be determined by the council, and shall perform any other duties as may be vested in him or her

20

by law. In addition to these duties and general supervision of the office of postsecondary

21

commissioner and the appointment of the several officers and employees of the office, it shall be

22

the duty of the commissioner of postsecondary education:

23

     (1) To develop and implement a systematic program of information gathering,

24

processing, and analysis addressed to every aspect of higher education in the state, especially as

25

that information relates to current and future educational needs.

26

     (2) To prepare a strategic plan for higher education in the state aligned with the goals of

27

the board of education's strategic plan; to coordinate the goals and objectives of the higher public

28

education sector with the goals of the council on elementary and secondary education and

29

activities of the independent higher education sector where feasible.

30

     (3) To communicate with, and seek the advice of those concerned with, and affected by

31

the board of education's and council's determinations.

32

     (4) To implement broad policy as it pertains to the goals and objectives established by the

33

board of education and council on postsecondary education; to promote better coordination

34

between higher public education in the state, independent higher education in the state as

 

LC002732 - Page 14 of 28

1

provided in subdivision (10) of this section, and pre k-12 education; to assist in the preparation of

2

the budget for public higher education; and to be responsible, upon direction of the council, for

3

the allocation of appropriations, the acquisition, holding, disposition of property.

4

     (5) To be responsible for the coordination of the various higher educational functions of

5

the state so that maximum efficiency and economy can be achieved.

6

     (6) To assist the board of education in preparation and maintenance of a five-year (5)

7

strategic funding plan for higher education; to assist the council in the preparation and

8

presentation annually to the state budget officer in accordance with § 35-3-4 of a total, public

9

higher educational budget.

10

     (7) To recommend to the council on postsecondary education, after consultation with the

11

presidents, a clear and definitive mission for each public institution of higher learning college.

12

     (8) To annually recommend to the council on postsecondary education, after consultation

13

with the presidents, the creation, abolition, retention, or consolidation of departments, divisions,

14

programs, and courses of study within the public colleges and universities to eliminate

15

unnecessary duplication in public higher education, to address the future needs of public higher

16

education in the state, and to advance proposals recommended by the presidents of the public

17

colleges and universities pursuant to §§ 16-32-2.1, 16-33-2.1 and 16-33.1-2.1.

18

     (9) To supervise the operations of the office of postsecondary commissioner, including

19

the division of higher education assistance, and any other additional duties and responsibilities

20

that may be assigned by the council.

21

     (10) To perform the duties vested in the council with relation to independent higher

22

educational institutions within the state under the terms of chapter 40 of this title and any other

23

laws that affect independent higher education in the state.

24

     (11) To be responsible for the administration of policies, rules, and regulations of the

25

council on postsecondary education with relation to the entire field of higher education within the

26

state, not specifically granted to any other department, board, or agency and not incompatible

27

with law.

28

     (12) To prepare standard accounting procedures for public higher education and all public

29

colleges and universities.

30

     (13) To carry out the policies and directives of the board of education and the council on

31

postsecondary education through the office of postsecondary commissioner and through

32

utilization of the resources of the public institutions of higher learning colleges.

33

     (14) To enter into interstate reciprocity agreements regarding the provision of

34

postsecondary distance education; to administer such agreements; to approve or disapprove

 

LC002732 - Page 15 of 28

1

applications to voluntarily participate in such agreements from postsecondary institutions that

2

have their principal place of business in Rhode Island; and to establish annual fees, with the

3

approval of the council on postsecondary education, for aforesaid applications to participate in an

4

interstate postsecondary distance education reciprocity agreement.

5

     (15) To the extent necessary for participation, and to the extent required and stated in any

6

distance learning reciprocity agreement, to implement procedures to address complaints received

7

from out-of-state students in connection with, or related to, any Rhode Island postsecondary

8

institution, public or private, that has been approved to participate in said reciprocity agreement.

9

     (16) To exercise all powers and duties of the division of higher education assistance as

10

set forth under the terms of chapter 57 of this title.

11

     16-59-13. Definitions.

12

     Where in this chapter the phrase "public colleges" or "public institutions of higher

13

learning" or "public tax supported institutions of higher learning" or words of similar import are

14

used they shall be taken to mean the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and

15

Community College of Rhode Island, or any other of these public colleges, public institutions of

16

higher learning, or public tax supported institutions of higher learning which may be created,

17

individually or collectively, as appropriate.

18

     16-59-18. Receipts from sources other than appropriations.

19

     (a) All receipts from all sources other than state appropriations shall not be covered into

20

the general fund of the state, but shall be kept by the general treasurer of the state in a separate

21

fund for the board of governors for higher education, and shall be paid out by the treasurer upon

22

the order of the board, without the necessity of appropriation or re-appropriation by the general

23

assembly.

24

     (b) The board of governors of higher education shall ensure that state colleges and

25

universities have a structure in place to prohibit these colleges and universities from accepting

26

funds that would interfere with or restrict academic freedom at the state colleges and universities.

27

Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed in a way as to prohibit a donor from

28

earmarking funds for a particular purpose or use including but not limited to research,

29

scholarships, construction, or development.

30

     16-59-19. Fiscal accounts -- Receipts -- Petty cash funds.

31

     The treasurer of the University of Rhode Island, and the treasurer of the Rhode Island

32

College to be appointed by the board of governors for higher education, shall each keep an

33

accurate account of his or her receipts and expenditures which shall be audited by the state

34

controller in accordance with law. The treasurer of each college shall turn over to the general

 

LC002732 - Page 16 of 28

1

treasurer at monthly intervals all sums of money received by him or her during the preceding

2

month which shall be credited to the proper accounts and funds by the general treasurer. The state

3

controller shall establish an imprest fund or petty cash fund for the use of the treasurer of each of

4

the colleges for expenditures of any nature as may be approved by the state controller.

5

     16-59-22. Applicability of merit system -- Teacher certification -- List of positions

6

transferable to classified service.

7

     (a) The appointment, promotion, salaries, tenure, and dismissal of administrative,

8

instructional, and research employees, and secretarial employees not exceeding ten (10) in

9

number, and armed college and university police officers of the state colleges shall not be subject

10

in any manner or degree to control by the personnel administrator or by any officer or board other

11

than the council on postsecondary education. The certification of teachers at the University of

12

Rhode Island is abolished, except for teachers who elect to come or remain under it.

13

     (b) All positions that are exempt from the merit system law, chapter 4 of title 36, which

14

become vacant or that are to be established, must be forwarded to the personnel administrator,

15

who, in consultation with the deputy assistant commissioner of education in charge of personnel

16

and labor relations, shall determine whether the position(s) in question shall remain in the council

17

on postsecondary education non-classified service or be established in the classified service of the

18

state.

19

     (c) No position presently in the classified service of the state subject to the merit system

20

law, chapter 4 of title 36, shall be changed or modified so as to establish the position in the

21

council on postsecondary education non-classified service.

22

     (d) Faculty positions, presidents, vice presidents, deans, assistant deans, and student

23

employees of the higher-education institutions shall not be covered by the preceding provisions

24

and shall remain in the council on postsecondary education non-classified service.

25

     16-59-26. The public and private partnership in education.

26

     (a) Purpose. The state of Rhode Island recognizes that research is a primary mission of an

27

institution of higher education. While carrying out its research mission, the state further

28

recognizes that inventions of value to the public will be made by persons working in its public

29

institutions of higher education. The marketing of these inventions will contribute to job creation

30

and to the overall economic well-being of the state of Rhode Island and the nation. It is

31

accordingly the policy of the state to encourage such inventors and inventions and to take

32

appropriate steps to aid the inventor and ensure that the public receives the benefit. In facilitating

33

this policy, the state recognizes the need for cooperation between governmental agencies, private

34

industries, and the inventors themselves.

 

LC002732 - Page 17 of 28

1

     (b) Definitions. The following words and phrases used in § 16-59-26 have the following

2

meaning:

3

     (1) "Conflict of interest policies and procedures relating to research and development"

4

refers to policies and procedures adopted by the Rhode Island board of governors for higher

5

education, or as it pertains to the University of Rhode Island or the board of trustees in

6

consultation with the Rhode Island ethics commission, and approved by the Rhode Island ethics

7

commission;

8

     (2) "Relationship" includes any interest, service, employment, gift, or other benefit or

9

relationship;

10

     (3) "Research or development" means basic or applied research or development,

11

including:

12

     (i) The development or marketing of university-owned technology;

13

     (ii) The acquisition of services of an official or employee, by an entity for research and

14

development purposes;

15

     (iii) Participation in state economic development programs; or

16

     (iv) The development or marketing of any technology on the premises of a public

17

institution of higher education by an official or employee of the institution.

18

     (c) Policy.

19

     (1) The Rhode Island board of governors for higher education, or as it pertains to the

20

University of Rhode Island or the board of trustees, shall develop conflict of interest policies and

21

procedures based on the purposes expressed in art. 3, § 7 of the Constitution of the State of Rhode

22

Island, § 36-14-1, and in this section.

23

     (2) The Rhode Island board of governors for higher education, or as it pertains to the

24

University of Rhode Island or the board of trustees shall consult with the Rhode Island ethics

25

commission in developing these policies and procedures and shall submit them to the Rhode

26

Island ethics commission for approval in order to insure conformity with the purposes expressed

27

in art. 3, § 7 of the Constitution of the State of Rhode Island, § 36-14-1, and in this section.

28

     (d) Policy standards. The policies and procedures adopted by the board of governors for

29

higher education, or as it pertains to the University of Rhode Island or the board of trustees, under

30

subsection (c) of this section shall:

31

     (1) Require disclosure of any interest in, or employment by, or other relationship with an

32

entity for which an exemption under this section is claimed, on a form filed with the ethics

33

commission and the Rhode Island board of governors for higher education, or as it pertains to the

34

University of Rhode Island or the board of trustees, and maintained as a public record at the

 

LC002732 - Page 18 of 28

1

commission offices, the office of higher education, and at the interested public institution of

2

higher education;

3

     (2) Require review of all disclosures by a designated official or officials, who shall

4

determine what further information must be disclosed and what restrictions shall be imposed by

5

the Rhode Island board of governors for higher education, or as it pertains to the University of

6

Rhode Island or the board of trustees, to manage, reduce, or eliminate any actual or potential

7

conflict of interest;

8

     (3) Include guidelines to ensure that interests and employment for which an exemption

9

under this section is claimed do not improperly give an advantage to entities in which the interests

10

or employment are maintained, lead to misuse of institution students or employees for the benefit

11

of entities in which the interests or employment are maintained, or otherwise interfere with the

12

duties and responsibilities of the exempt official or employee;

13

     (4) Require approval by the president of the public institution of higher education of any

14

interest or employment for which an exemption is claimed under this section; and

15

     (5) Require approval by the Rhode Island board of governors for higher education, or as

16

it pertains to the University of Rhode Island or the board of trustees.

17

     (e) Relationship permitted. An official or employee at a public institution of higher

18

education may have a relationship, that would otherwise be prohibited by the Rhode Island Code

19

of Ethics in Government, with an entity engaged in research or development, or with an entity

20

having a direct interest in the outcome of research or development, only if the Rhode Island

21

Board of governors for higher education, or as it pertains to the University of Rhode Island or the

22

board of trustees, has adopted policies and procedures in accordance with this section, and the

23

official or employee has complied with the policies and procedures. If the provisions of this

24

section are not met, the official or employee is not exempt from any relevant provisions of the

25

Rhode Island Code of Ethics in Government.

26

     (f) Annual reporting. The board of governors for higher education, or as it pertains to the

27

University of Rhode Island or the board of trustees, shall report annually to the governor, the

28

president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives, and the ethics commission

29

the number of approvals granted under this section and how the conflict of interest policies and

30

procedures adopted pursuant to this section have been implemented in the preceding year.

31

     (g) Person not eligible. An official or employee who is a president, or vice-president at a

32

public institution of higher education in Rhode Island may not receive an exemption under this

33

section.

34

     (h) Ethics commission review. The board of governors for higher education, or as it

 

LC002732 - Page 19 of 28

1

pertains to the University of Rhode Island or the board of trustees, shall promptly notify the ethics

2

commission in writing of any exemption that is granted under this section. If the ethics

3

commission disagrees with an exemption that is granted pursuant to this section and the conflict

4

of interest policies and procedures relating to research and development adopted by the board of

5

governors for higher education, within thirty (30) calendar days after the receipt of the notice

6

described in this section, the ethics commission shall notify the board of governors for higher

7

education reason for its concern. Upon receipt of such notice from the ethics commission, the

8

board of governors for higher education, or as it pertains to the University of Rhode Island or the

9

board of trustees shall cause the matter to be re-examined at an open and public meeting pursuant

10

to § 42-46-1 et seq.

11

     SECTION 6. Section 16-59-28 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-59 entitled "Council

12

on Postsecondary Education [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education

13

Act]" is hereby repealed.

14

     16-59-28. "Bachelors Degree in Three" program.

15

     (a) The Rhode Island board of governors for higher education shall establish and

16

administer the "Bachelors Degree in Three" program. The board shall:

17

     (1) Establish guidelines for the "Bachelors Degree in Three" program.

18

     (2) Collaborate with the board of regents for elementary and secondary education to

19

establish a seamless credit transfer system for high school students and other policies that might

20

facilitate student participation in such a program.

21

     (3) Identify and propose any necessary changes to academic courses of study, support

22

services, financial aid, and other policies and resources at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode

23

Island College and the Community College of Rhode Island to ensure greater opportunities for

24

students to complete bachelors degree programs in three (3) years.

25

     (4) Identify potential costs of the program, including costs to students, to the institutions,

26

and to school districts, identify possible sources of external grant funding for a pilot program, and

27

propose a funding structure for the program.

28

     (5) Investigate accreditation issues and federal financial aid rules that may be implicated

29

by the program.

30

     (6) Identify units at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the

31

Community College of Rhode Island that will assume administrative responsibility for the

32

program.

33

     (7) Design, undertake and evaluate a three (3) year pilot program that will serve as a

34

model for full-scale implementation.

 

LC002732 - Page 20 of 28

1

     (b) The board shall present an initial report, recommendations and timeline to the general

2

assembly on or by February 1, 2011, and the pilot program will begin with the fall academic

3

semester of 2011.

4

     SECTION 7. Section 16-97-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-97 entitled "The Rhode

5

Island Board of Education Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

6

     16-97-7. Tuition waivers -- Disclosure as a prerequisite to receipt.

7

     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no employee of the state board of education,

8

or the board of trustees for the University of Rhode Island, his or her spouse, domestic partner or

9

dependent, shall receive a tuition waiver as a result of employment status with the state board of

10

education, or the board of trustees for the University of Rhode Island without first consenting to

11

the public disclosure of the existence and amount of the waiver. This section shall apply to any

12

tuition waivers, including, but not limited to, any such waiver at the Community College of

13

Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and/or the University of Rhode Island.

14

     SECTION 8. Section 16-101-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-101 entitled

15

"Academic Credit For Military Service" is hereby amended to read as follows:

16

     16-101-1. Academic credit for military service.

17

     (a) State public higher education institutions in the state shall honor the military training,

18

experience, correspondence courses and occupations of an individual who has served in the

19

military or armed forces of the United States by allowing academic credits that meet the standards

20

of the American Council on Education or equivalent standards for awarding academic credit, if

21

the award of the educational credit is based upon the institution's admission standards and its role,

22

scope, and mission. The board of education shall adopt policies or regulations requiring each

23

institution to award educational credits to a student enrolled in the institution, based upon the

24

student's military training or service when academically appropriate.

25

     (b) The board of trustees for the University of Rhode Island, in consultation with the

26

president and the faculty senate, shall adopt policies or regulations requiring each institution to

27

award educational credits to a student enrolled at the university, based upon the student's military

28

training or service when academically appropriate.

29

     SECTION 9. Sections 16-106-4 and 16-106-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-106

30

entitled "The Performance Incentive Funding Act of 2016" are hereby amended to read as

31

follows:

32

     16-106-4. Performance incentive funding -- Rhode Island College and University of

33

Rhode Island. Performance incentive funding -- Rhode Island College.

34

     (a) Beginning in FY 2018, funding for Rhode Island College ("RIC") and the University

 

LC002732 - Page 21 of 28

1

of Rhode Island ("URI") shall include a performance-based component utilizing all additional

2

allocations of otherwise unrestricted, higher-education general revenue greater than the base

3

amount received pursuant to the FY 2016 budget as enacted, of total unrestricted state higher-

4

education funding.

5

     (b) Data on which to base performance measures as described in subsection (c) shall be

6

defined by the commissioner of postsecondary education, in consultation with the council on

7

postsecondary education. Measures shall begin to be collected in FY 2017.

8

     These measures may include and incorporate outcomes or goals from multiple, previous

9

years. The lack of information from previous years, however, will not affect the use of

10

performance-based measures.

11

     (c) Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island shall each have unique

12

measures consistent with each institution's its purpose, role, scope, and mission. The

13

performance-based measures shall include the following metrics:

14

     (1) The number and percentage, including growth in relation to enrollment and prior

15

years of bachelor's degrees awarded to first-time, full-time students within four (4) years and six

16

(6) years, including summer graduates;

17

     (2) The number of degrees awarded that are tied to Rhode Island's high demand, high-

18

wage employment opportunities consistent with the institution's mission;

19

     (3) One measure that applies only to RIC, as agreed to by the commissioner of

20

postsecondary education and the president of RIC, who shall consider faculty, staff, and student

21

input; and one measure that applies only to URI, as agreed to by the commissioner of

22

postsecondary education and the president of URI, who shall consider faculty, staff and student

23

input; and

24

     (4) Any other measures that are deemed appropriate by the council of postsecondary

25

education.

26

     (d) Weight may be assigned to any of the aforementioned metrics to either or both of the

27

institutions to reinforce the missions mission of RIC and URI, respectively, the economic needs

28

of the state, and the socio-economic status of the students. The commissioner may consider the

29

institutions' institution's improvements in said metrics when determining whether it has satisfied

30

the annual measure despite not reaching the overall goal.

31

     (e) The commissioner shall provide faculty and students an opportunity to provide input

32

on the development of performance measures.

33

     16-106-6. Accountability -- Authority to revise and transparency.

34

     (a) The commissioner of postsecondary education shall monitor, publish, and report to

 

LC002732 - Page 22 of 28

1

the council on postsecondary education the level of performance on all metrics identified in

2

accordance with this chapter for the Community College of Rhode Island, and Rhode Island

3

College, and the University of Rhode Island.

4

     (b) The commissioner of postsecondary education, in consultation with the council of

5

postsecondary education, shall revise the metrics at a time when performance has reached a pre-

6

defined level. Future metrics shall further goals identified by the board of education and the

7

governor's workforce board, and the applicable purpose and mission of the institution of higher

8

education to which they apply.

9

     (c) Each public higher-education institution shall publish its performance on all of its

10

associated metrics prescribed in this chapter on its website.

11

     SECTION 10. Section 35-4-23.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 35-4 entitled "State

12

Funds" is hereby amended to read as follows:

13

     35-4-23.1. Indirect cost recoveries by state agencies.

14

     All state agencies shall apply for recovery of indirect costs when recovery is permissible

15

under federal statute and grant regulations. All funds received for indirect costs recovery shall be

16

turned over to the general treasurer and shall be placed in a restricted account in each agency for

17

the specific purposes designated through the annual budget process. The agency shall, through the

18

annual budget process, report to the general assembly the estimated amount of federal indirect

19

cost recoveries for the next fiscal year, together with the intended use of the funds. Nothing

20

contained in this section, however, shall conflict with the powers and duties granted the board of

21

governors for higher education and the board of regents for elementary and secondary education

22

in chapters 59 and 60 of title 16, and the board of trustees for the University of Rhode Island as

23

provided in chapter 32 of title 16.

24

     SECTION 11. Section 37-2-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 37-2 entitled "State

25

Purchases" is hereby amended to read as follows:

26

     37-2-7. Definitions.

27

     The words defined in this section have the meanings set forth below whenever they

28

appear in this chapter, unless the context in which they are used clearly requires a different

29

meaning or a different definition is prescribed for a particular section, group of sections, or

30

provision:

31

     (1) "Business" means any corporation, partnership, individual, sole proprietorship, joint

32

stock company, joint venture, or any other legal entity through which business is conducted.

33

     (2) "Change order" means a written authorization signed by the purchasing agent

34

directing or allowing the contractor to proceed with changes, alterations, or modifications to the

 

LC002732 - Page 23 of 28

1

terms, conditions, or scope of work on a previously awarded contract

2

     (3) "Chief purchasing officer" shall mean: (i) for a state agency, the director of the

3

department of administration, and (ii) for a public agency, the executive director or the chief

4

operational officer of the agency.

5

     (4) "Construction" means the process of building, altering, repairing, improving, or

6

demolishing any public structures or building, or other public improvements of any kind to any

7

public real property. It does not include the routine maintenance or repair of existing structures,

8

buildings, or real property performed by salaried employees of the state of Rhode Island in the

9

usual course of their jobs.

10

     (5) "Contract" means all types of agreements, including grants and orders, for the

11

purchase or disposal of supplies, services, construction, or any other item. It includes awards;

12

contracts of a fixed-price, cost, cost-plus-a-fixed-fee, or incentive type; contracts providing for

13

the issuance of job or task orders; leases; letter contracts; purchase orders; and construction

14

management contracts. It also includes supplemental agreements with respect to any of the

15

foregoing. "Contract" does not include labor contracts with employees of state agencies.

16

     (6) "Contract amendment" means any written alteration in the specifications, delivery

17

point, rate of delivery, contract period, price, quantity, or other contract provisions of any existing

18

contract, whether accomplished by unilateral action in accordance with a contract provision, or by

19

mutual action of the parties to the contract. It includes bilateral actions, such as supplemental

20

agreements, and unilateral actions, such as change orders, administrative changes, notices of

21

termination, and notices of the exercise of a contract option.

22

     (7) "Contractor" means any person having a contract with a governmental body.

23

     (8) "Data" means recorded information, regardless of form or characteristic.

24

     (9) "Designee" means a duly authorized representative of a person holding a superior

25

position.

26

     (10) "Employee" means an individual drawing a salary from a state governmental entity.

27

     (11) "State governmental entity" means any entity created as a legislative body or a

28

public or state agency by the general assembly or constitution of this state, except for municipal,

29

regional, or county governmental entities.

30

     (12) "May" means permissive.

31

     (13) "Negotiation" means contracting by either the method set forth in §§ 37-2-19, 37-2-

32

20, or 37-2-21.

33

     (14) "Person" means any business, individual, organization, or group of individuals.

34

     (15) "Procurement" means the purchasing, buying, renting, leasing, or otherwise

 

LC002732 - Page 24 of 28

1

obtaining of any supplies, services, or construction. It also includes all functions that pertain to

2

the obtaining of any supply, service, or construction item, including a description of

3

requirements, selection and solicitation of sources, preparation, and award of contract, and all

4

phases of contract administration.

5

     (16) "Public agency" shall mean the Rhode Island industrial recreational building

6

authority, the Rhode Island commerce corporation, the Rhode Island industrial facilities

7

corporation, the Rhode Island refunding bond authority, the Rhode Island housing and mortgage

8

finance corporation, the Rhode Island resource recovery corporation, the Rhode Island public

9

transit authority, the Rhode Island student loan authority, the Howard development corporation,

10

the water resources board corporate, the Rhode Island health and education building corporation,

11

the Rhode Island turnpike and bridge authority, the Blackstone Valley district commission, the

12

Narragansett Bay water quality management district commission, the Rhode Island

13

telecommunications authority, the convention center authority, the Channel 36 foundation, the

14

Rhode Island lottery commission their successors and assigns, any other body corporate and

15

politic which has been or will be created or established within this state excepting cities and

16

towns, the University of Rhode Island board of trustees for all purchases which are funded by

17

restricted, sponsored, or auxiliary monies, and the council on postsecondary education for all

18

purchases which are funded by restricted, sponsored, or auxiliary monies.

19

     (17) "Purchase request" or "purchase requisition" means that document whereby a using

20

agency requests that a contract be entered into to obtain goods and/or services for a specified

21

need, and may include, but is not limited to, the technical description of the requested item,

22

delivery requirements, transportation mode request, criteria for evaluation of proposals, and/or

23

preparation of suggested sources of supply, and information supplied for the making of any

24

written determination and finding required by § 37-2-6.

25

     (18) "Purchasing agency" means any state governmental entity which is authorized by

26

this chapter, its implementing regulations, or by way of delegation from the chief purchasing

27

officer to contract on its own behalf rather than through the central contracting authority of the

28

chief purchasing officer.

29

     (19) "Purchasing agent" means any person authorized by a governmental entity in

30

accordance with procedures prescribed by regulations, to enter into and administer contracts and

31

make written determinations and findings with respect to contracts. The term also includes an

32

authorized representative acting within the limits of authority. "Purchasing agent" also means the

33

person appointed in accordance with § 37-2-1.

34

     (20) "Services" means the rendering, by a contractor, of its time and effort rather than the

 

LC002732 - Page 25 of 28

1

furnishing of a specific end product, other than reports which are merely incidental to the required

2

performance of services. "Services" does not include labor contracts with employees of state

3

agencies.

4

     (21) "Shall" means imperative.

5

     (22) "State" means the state of Rhode Island and any of its departments or agencies and

6

public agencies.

7

     (23) "Supplemental agreement" means any contract modification which is accomplished

8

by the mutual action of the parties.

9

     (24) "Supplies" means all property, including, but not limited to, leases of real property,

10

printing, and insurance, except land or permanent interest in land.

11

     (25) "Using agency" means any state governmental entity which utilizes any supplies,

12

services, or construction purchased under this chapter.

13

     (26) As used in § 37-2-59, "architect" or "engineer" services means those professional

14

services within the scope of practice of architecture, professional engineering, or registered land

15

surveying pertaining to construction, as defined by the laws of this state. "Consultant" means any

16

person with whom the state and/or a public agency has a contract which contract provides for the

17

person to give direction or information as regards a particular area of knowledge in which the

18

person is a specialist and/or has expertise.

19

     (27) For purposes of §§ 37-2-62 -- 37-2-70, "directors" means those members of a public

20

agency appointed pursuant to a statute who comprise the governing authority of the board,

21

commission, authority, and/or corporation.

22

     (28) "State agency" means any department, commission, council, board, bureau,

23

committee, institution, or other governmental entity of the executive or judicial branch of this

24

state not otherwise established as a body corporate and politic, and includes, without limitation,

25

the council on postsecondary education except for purchases which are funded by restricted,

26

sponsored, or auxiliary moneys, the University of Rhode Island board of trustees for all purchases

27

which are funded by restricted, sponsored, or auxiliary monies, and the council on elementary and

28

secondary education.

29

     (29) "Governmental entity" means any department, commission, council, board, bureau,

30

committee, institution, legislative body, agency, or government corporation of the executive,

31

legislative, or judicial branches of state, federal, and/or local governments.

32

     (30) "Construction management at-risk" or "construction management at-risk services" or

33

"construction management at-risk delivery method" is a construction method wherein a

34

construction manager at-risk provides a range of preconstruction services and construction

 

LC002732 - Page 26 of 28

1

management services which may include cost estimation and consultation regarding the design of

2

the building project, the preparation and coordination of bid packages, scheduling, cost control,

3

and value engineering, acting as the general contractor during the construction, detailing the trade

4

contractor scope of work, holding the trade contracts and other contracts, evaluating trade

5

contractors and subcontractors, and providing management and construction services, all at a

6

guaranteed maximum price, which shall represent the maximum amount to be paid by the using

7

agency for the building project, including the cost of work, the general conditions and the fee

8

payable to the construction management at-risk firm.

9

     (31) "Construction manager at-risk" or "construction management at-risk firm" is a

10

person or business experienced in construction that has the ability to evaluate and to implement

11

drawings and specifications as they affect time, cost and quality of construction and the ability to

12

coordinate and deliver the construction of the project within a guaranteed maximum price, which

13

shall represent the maximum amount to be paid by the using agency for the building project,

14

including the cost of the work, the general conditions and the fee payable to the construction

15

management at-risk firm. The construction manager at-risk provides consultation services during

16

the preconstruction and construction phases of the project. The project engineer, architect or

17

owner's program manager may not serve as the construction manager at-risk.

18

     (32) "Owner's program manager" shall be an entity engaged to provide project

19

management services on behalf of a state agency for the construction and supervision of the

20

construction of a building project. The owner's program manager acts as the owner's agent in all

21

aspects of the construction project, including, but not limited to, architectural programming,

22

planning, design, construction, and the selection and procurement of an appropriate construction

23

delivery method. The owner's program manager shall have at least seven (7) years experience in

24

the construction and supervision of construction of buildings of similar size and complexity. The

25

owner's program manager shall not have been employed during the preceding year by the design

26

firm, the construction firm, and/or the subcontractors associated with the project.

27

     SECTION 12. This act shall take effect on February 1, 2020.

========

LC002732

========

 

LC002732 - Page 27 of 28

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO THE GOVERNANCE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

***

1

     This act would: (1) Establish a board of trustees for the University of Rhode Island and

2

establish its powers and duties; (2) Establish provisions of the transfer of URI research foundation

3

authority to the board of governors for higher education if the research foundation were

4

dissolved; (3) Remove authority of the council on postsecondary education over URI; (4) Repeal

5

the bachelor's degree in three program; (5) Require disclosure of tuition waivers; (6) Require the

6

board of trustees to set rules for the awarding of credits to students at URI based on military

7

training; (7) Authorize the board of trustees to retain direct costs instead of being reverted to a

8

restricted receipt account; and (8) Add the board of trustees to the definitions of public agency

9

and state agency for state purchasing matters.

10

     This act would take effect on February 1, 2020.

========

LC002732

========

 

LC002732 - Page 28 of 28