R 435
2015 -- H 6365
Enacted 06/25/2015

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N
CREATING A SPECIAL HOUSE TASK FORCE TO STUDY AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Ruggiero, Maldonado, Abney, Chippendale, and
Date Introduced: June 25, 2015

     WHEREAS, High-speed internet access, also known as broadband has become an
essential element of economic vitality, enhancing economic development and public safety for
the state’s communities, improving healthcare and educational opportunities, and providing a
better quality of life for our state’s residents; now, therefore be it
     RESOLVED, That a special legislative task force be and the same is hereby created
consisting of nine (9) members: nine (9) of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House.
     In lieu of any appointment of a member of the legislature to a permanent advisory
commission, a legislative study commission, or any task force or 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 task force shall be to make a comprehensive study of the Broadband
Service and Accessibility Commission’s findings and recommendations in order to establish and
implement a Broadband Strategic Plan for Rhode Island that will not only maintain the state’s
broadband competitive advantage, but will also increase its adoption and utilization by all
citizens.
     Forthwith upon passage of this resolution, the members of the Task Force shall meet at
the call of the Speaker of the House who shall appoint a chairperson.
     Vacancies in said task force shall be filled in like manner as the original appointment.
     The membership of said task force 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 task force and its agents as is deemed necessary or desirable
by the task force to facilitate the purposes of this resolution.
     The Speaker of the House is hereby authorized and directed to provide suitable quarters
for said task force; and be it further
     RESOLVED, That the task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the
House of Representatives no later than January 19, 2016, and said task force shall expire on
March 19, 2016.
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LC002991
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