RESOLVED, That a special senate commission be and the same is hereby created consisting of seven (7) members: three (3) of whom shall be from the senate, not more than two (2) from one political party, to be appointed by the senate majority leader; two (2) of whom shall be appointed by the Narragansett Indian Tribe; and two (2) of whom shall be members of the general public at large, to be appointed by the senate majority leader.

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 appointment of the member of the general public.

The purpose of said commission shall be to study all relations between the Rhode Island state government and the Narragansett Indian Tribe to facilitate dialogue, open lines of communication and to determine the appropriate means for furthering such communication in the future. It shall not be restricted to one issue, nor to current issues involving the state of Rhode Island and the Narragansett Indian Tribe.

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 from among the legislators 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 joint committee on legislative services 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 senate as soon as possible. An initial report shall be issued no later than July 30, 1997 and a supplemental report shall be issued at the conclusion of the January, 1998 legislative term. Upon the submission of the final report to the Rhode Island Senate, said committee shall dissolve.