RESOLVED, That a special legislative commission be and the same is hereby created consisting of thirteen (13) members: three (3) of whom shall be from the house of representatives, not more than two (2) from the same political party, to be appointed by the speaker; two (2) of whom shall be from the senate, not more than one (1) from the same political party, to be appointed by the majority leader; eight (8) of whom shall be representatives of the community who demonstrate special competence or interest in the field of autism of whom one (1) shall be a member of the medical profession, two (2) shall be clinical psychologists, two (2) shall be special educators and three (3) shall be parents of children with autism, all of whom shall be appointed by the speaker.

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 this commission shall be to investigate the current programs for early identification, treatment, and education of autistic children in the state of Rhode Island, regionally and nationally, and investigate available options and strategies to optimize these ends in a prudent and effective manner in this state.

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 on or before February 4, 1997 and said commission shall expire on April 4, 1997.