Introduced By: Representative Caruolo
Date Introduced : January 29, 1998
WHEREAS, In 1890, the General Assembly created a commission to obtain plans for a new State House and, on September 16, 1895, ground was broken for the construction of the building; and
WHEREAS, The cornerstone for this historic structure was laid on October 15, 1896, and the Secretary of State and his staff were the first to occupy offices in December 1900. The General Assembly and other state officers established themselves in the building early in 1901, and the new capitol building, terrace, approaches and grounds were officially turned over to the State by the architects and builders on June 11, 1904; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 327,000 cubic feet of white Georgia marble, 1,309 tons of iron floor beams and 15,000,000 bricks were used in the construction of the Rhode Island State House. The structure's most famous feature is its famous unsupported marble dome, one of the four largest such domes in the world - the others being St. Peter's in Rome, the Taj Mahal in India and the Minnesota State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Standing atop of this magnificent building stands the imposing statue of the Independent Man, the symbol for Rhode Island's historic commitment to religious tolerance and freedom of expression; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That a special house commission be and the same is hereby created consisting of seven (7) members: not more than four (4) from the same political party, to 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 said commission shall be to study all aspects of the history of the current Rhode Island State House and make preparations for the official centennial celebration.
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 house of representatives on or before April 29, 1999 and said commission shall expire on June 29, 1999.
