RESOLVED, That a special legislative commission be and the same is hereby created consisting of thirteen (13) members: four (4) of whom shall be from the house of representatives, not more than three (3) from the same political party, to be appointed by the speaker 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; one (1) of whom shall be a representative of the Providence Police Department to be appointed by its chief; one (1) of whom shall be a representative of the state Department of Health, to be appointed by the director; one (1) of whom shall be under the age of twenty-five (25) years and who, as a juvenile, shall have been adjudicated as a delinquent as a result of gang-related activities, to be designated by the office of the public defender; one (1) of whom shall be a member of the staff at the Rhode Island training school for youth; and two (2) of whom shall be members of the general public, of whom one (1) shall be appointed by the speaker and one (1) shall be appointed by the senate majority leader; and provided, that the office of the public defender shall not designate a member without first contacting the proposed designee and obtaining that person's express written consent to be nominated to the commission.

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 youth gangs and all matters relating thereto.

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 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 general assembly or or before February 8, 1997 and said commission shall expire on April 8, 1997.