Introduced By: Senators Cicilline, Perry, Parella and Igliozzi
Date Introduced : January 20, 1999
WHEREAS, Technological advances have brought innumerable improvements in the quality of life for all people in the areas of science, education, ecology, medicine, law, literature, art, research, astronomy, athletics, mathematics, music, government, recreation, geography, and the like; and
WHEREAS, The use of the computer and the Internet, in particular, has resulted in vast amounts of information becoming available to people in instantaneous fashion; and
WHEREAS, The availability of such information on the Internet has, most often, been of immeasurable assistance to individuals; and
WHEREAS, The Internet, however, has also and regrettably provided opportunity for persons of nefarious intent to use its programs to entice and otherwise victimize people, notably children and other innocent and vulnerable individuals; and
WHEREAS, The Internet has increasingly become a site for a range of criminal activities, not the least of which is its use to spread child pornography and to otherwise induce children; and
WHEREAS, It is in the best interests of the State of Rhode Island to consider and develop strategies that will address the negative impact that such heinous activities visit upon unsuspecting and vulnerable individuals while being mindful and respectful of the constitutional rights of citizens; now therefor be it further
RESOLVED, That a special senate commission is established to study and make recommendations concerning crime on the Internet; and be it further
RESOLVED, That said commission shall be consisted of seventeen (17) members; three (3) of whom shall be from the senate, (2) to be appointed by the senate majority leader; one (1) to be appointed by the minority leader; one (1) of whom shall be representative of the United States Attorney's Office; one (1) of whom shall be the Rhode Island Attorney General, or designee; one (1) of whom shall be a representative of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; one (1) of whom shall be a representative of the Naval Criminal Investigative Services of the United States Naval Intelligence; one (1) of whom shall be a representative of the Rhode Island Association of Police Chiefs, to be appointed by its president; one (1) of whom shall be a representative of the Rhode Island Association of School Superintendents, to be appointed by its president; one (1) of whom shall be a representative of the Child Advocate's Office; one (1) of whom shall be a representative of the Public Defender's Office; one (1) of whom shall be representative of the Rhode Island Family Court; one (1) of whom shall be a member of the general public, to be appointed by the Senate Majority Leader; one (1) of whom shall be a representative of the Rhode Island District Court; one (1) of whom shall be a representative of the Rhode Island Trial Lawyers Association; and two (2) of whom shall be individuals with expertise in computer technology 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 the illegal use of computers.
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 senators 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 on or before April 1, 2000 and said commission shall expire on June 1, 2000.
