R 422
2015 -- H 5488 SUBSTITUTE A
Enacted 06/24/2015

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N
CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON PROVIDING INTERENT, CABLE TELEVISION, AND PHONE SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE RESIDENTS IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES IN NORTHWESTERN RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Chippendale, Serpa, Amore, Handy, and O'Brien
Date Introduced: February 12, 2015

     RESOLVED, That a special legislative commission be and the same is hereby created
consisting of nine (9) members: four (4) of whom shall be members of the Rhode Island House of
Representatives, not more than three (3) from the same political party, to be appointed by the
Speaker of the House; one of whom shall be the Chairperson of the Rhode Island Public Utilities
Commission, or designee; one of whom shall be the Administrator of the Division of Public
Utilities and Carriers, or designee; two (2) of whom shall be telecommunication providers in the
state, to be appointed by the Speaker; and one of whom shall be the Superintendent of the Foster-
Glocester Regional School District.
     In lieu of any appointment of a member of the legislature to a permanent advisory
commission, a legislative study commission, or any commission created by a General Assembly
resolution, the appointing authority may appoint a member of the general public to serve in lieu
of a legislator, provided that the Majority Leader or the Minority Leader of the political party
which is entitled to the appointment, consents to the member of the general public.
      The purpose of said commission shall be to make a comprehensive study and analysis of
the efficacy and fiscal impact of providing free internet, phone, and cable television services to
eligible residents in underserved communities in northwestern Rhode Island.  
     Forthwith upon passage of this resolution, the members of the commission shall meet at
the call of the Speaker of the House and organize and shall select a chairperson. 
     Vacancies in said commission shall be filled in like manner as the original appointment.
     The membership of said commission shall receive no compensation for their services.
     All departments and agencies of the state shall furnish such advice and information,
documentary and otherwise, to said commission and its agents as is deemed necessary or
desirable by the commission to facilitate the purposes of this resolution.
     The Speaker of the House is hereby authorized and directed to provide suitable quarters
for said commission; and be it further
     RESOLVED, That the commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the
House of Representatives no later than April 5, 2016, and said commission shall expire on June 5,
2016.
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LC000561/SUB A
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