RESOLVED, That a special senate commission be and the same is hereby created consisting of fifteen (15) members: three (3) of whom shall be from the senate, not more than two (2) from the same political party, to be appointed by the majority leader; seven (7) of whom shall be University of Rhode Island officials; one (1) of whom shall be a representative of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce; three (3) of whom shall be representatives of the local business community, all to be appointed by the senate majority leader; and one (1) of whom shall be the president of the University of Rhode Island, ex-officio or his/her designee.
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 the feasibility of a partnership between the business community and the University of Rhode Island to create high tech jobs.
Forthwith upon passage of this resolution, the members of the commission shall meet at the call of the senate majority leader 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 senate majority leader is hereby authorized and directed to provide suitable accomodations for said commission; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the general assembly on or before November 18, 1996 and said commission shall expire on January 18, 1997.
