Chapter 046

2011 -- S 0538

Enacted 06/06/11

A N A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES

Introduced By: Senator John J. Tassoni

Date Introduced: March 10, 2011

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 31-13-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-13 entitled "Traffic

Control Devices" is hereby amended to read as follows:

31-13-1. State traffic commission -- Manual of traffic control devices. -- (a) There is

established a state traffic commission consisting of the superintendent of state police or his or her

designee from within the department of state police, the director of the department of revenue or

his or her designee from within the division of motor vehicles, the director of the department of

transportation or his or her designee from within the department of transportation, the governor's

representative to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or his or her designee, and

a member of the public appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate, with

respect to which appointment the governor shall solicit and give due consideration to the

recommendation of the Rhode Island Police Chief's Association. The commission shall elect from

among the members a chair and such other officers as it deems necessary.

      (b) For the purpose of standardization and uniformity, the commission shall adopt and

cause to be printed for publication a manual of regulations and specifications establishing a

uniform system of traffic control signals, devices, signs, and marking consistent with the

provisions of this chapter for use upon the public highways. The commission shall establish the

traffic regulations under chapters 12 -- 27 of this title. The commission shall meet not less

frequently than monthly. The department of transportation shall provide all staff services and

quarters required by the commission.

      (c) Within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year, the commission shall

approve and submit an annual report to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives,

the president of the senate, and the secretary of state, of its activities during that fiscal year. The

report shall provide: an operating statement summarizing meetings or hearings held, including

meetings minutes, subjects addressed, decisions rendered, applications considered and their

disposition, rules or regulations promulgated, studies conducted, policies and plans developed,

approved, or modified, and programs administered or initiated; a consolidated financial statement

of all funds received and expended including the source of the funds, a listing of any staff

supported by these funds, and a summary of any clerical, administrative or technical support

received; a summary of performance during the previous fiscal year including accomplishments,

shortcomings and remedies; a synopsis of hearings, complaints, suspensions, or other legal

matters related to the authority of the counsel; a summary of any training courses held pursuant to

the provisions of this chapter; a briefing on anticipated activities in the upcoming fiscal year, and

findings and recommendations for improvements. The report shall be posted electronically on the

websites of the general assembly and the secretary of state pursuant to the provisions of section

42-20-8.2. The director of the department of transportation shall be responsible for the

enforcement of the provisions of this subsection.

      (d) To conduct a training course for newly appointed and qualified members within six

(6) months of their qualification or designation. The course shall be developed by the chair of the

commission, be approved by the commission, and be conducted by the chair of the commission.

The commission may approve the use of any commission and/or staff members and/or individuals

to assist with training. The training course shall include instruction in the following areas: the

provisions of chapters 42-46, 36-14 and 38-2; and the commission's rules and regulations. The

director of the department of transportation shall, within ninety (90) days of the effective date of

this act [June 16, 2006] prepare and disseminate training materials relating to the provisions of

chapters 42-46, 36-14, and 38-2.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

=======

LC01227

=======